CRAIG Deans expects a refreshed Ramy Najjarine to return for the Jets' trip to take on an in-form Brisbane Roar on Sunday but the interim coach will take a patient approach with Matt Millar.
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Najjarine sat out the Jets' 1-0 win over Melbourne City due to an A-League regulation which prevents on-loan players from suiting up against their parent club.
The silky playmaker has been on the end of roughhouse treatment from opposition defences and Deans gave the Olyroo the chance to rest and recuperate.
"We gave Ramy a week off his feet," Deans said. "He obviously worked on his fitness within the week but he didn't take part in the field sessions.
"We will get him back on the training field on Tuesday and see where he is at.
"It was a kick to his ankle but he has received a lot of attention in every game we have played. I don't want to risk him longer term."
Millar is back in full training after completing quarantine last Thursday but the wingback hasn't played since December 23 - his last appearance on loan for English League One club Shrewsbury Town.
Since then he has suffered COVID-19, travelled halfway around the world and spent two weeks in hotel quarantine.
"Matty Millar coming in is a boost for the squad," Deans said. "But riding a bike in quarantine is not the same as a football session. We will be patient with them but it's exciting to have him with us."
Millar's return follows the recent arrival of Luka Prso, who ran himself to a standstill in his starting debut against City. Lachy Jackson (ankle) and Ali Abbas (hamstring) have recovered from injury and should be available this week.
Former Western United striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos is training and free to play when the transfer window opens on February 16.
Liridon Krasniqi and Syahrian Abimanyu, who have joined the Jets on loan from Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zimand, are half way through 14 days quarantine and will also be available on February 16.
Down to the bare bones for the opening rounds, the Jets all of a sudden have depth.
"It is nice to have some numbers around," Deans said. "Having said that, the boys who came off the bench did a job and contributed to the win."
Attackers Krasniqi and Abimanyu were recommended to the Jets by Jahor technical director Alistair Edwards, whom Deans played wiith at Perth Glory.
"They are a bit unknown to everyone," Dean said. "Obviously you can have a look at them on video. I am good friends with Alistair Edwards, who is at their club Johor, and I spoke to him about them.
"Acclimatising to the speed and physicality of the A-League will be something we need to have a look at. We will be patient. It is not worth rushing them in."
Deans is expected to learn this week, if he will still be in charge when the transfer window opens. Seemingly out of contention for the role full-time after four losses to open the campaign, the recent run of positive results has forced a rethink.
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IN THE NEWS:
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
