Melbourne Heart’s international marquee Orlando Engelaar is close to a return to action according to interim head coach John van ‘t Schip.
Engelaar fractured his right leg in a pre-season friendly against Brisbane Roar and has been undergoing light training in the last few weeks as he presses for a return to action.
The prognosis is good for the Dutch international, who might even be available for some game time in the Melbourne youth derby next weekend.
van ‘t Schip is excited about the progress Engelaar is shown, and feels that his return will give the club a huge boost.
“Hopefully Orlando can be ready very soon so that’s a player that we win in this [transfer window],” van ‘t Schip said.
“He can be very important but first he has to get fit, so I’m looking forward to seeing him back in the team as well.
“Maybe he can, if everything goes well, play a part next week in the youth team and see what’s possible from there.”
There is also good news on Harry Kewell, with the club captain ready to commence a full training schedule following a horrendous run with injury.
Despite this welcome news, van ‘t Schip remains cautious over the handling of his star player.
“We have to see how he feels every week,” he said.
“He had some problems and he’s feeling actually ok right now, but feeling ok and playing 90 minutes is something different because he’s been out for that long time.
“He still hasn’t trained every day on a full training program.
“From now on he’s able to do that so I hope he will get back very soon also in the game fitness. He’s still an important player but we have to manage that very well.”
Kewell should start against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Sunday evening; if he does it will be his third consecutive start.