SYDNEY FC hopes to have skipper Dwight Yorke available for its opening game of the A-League season after he was cleared of any major damage to his groin today.
The Trinidad & Tobago international has been given the green light to step up his rehabilitation work after being diagnosed with an inflamed tendon in his groin. Yorke will continue his rehabilitation this week in the hope of being ready for reigning champion Sydney's opening A-League season game against fellow 2006 grand finalist Central Coast on August 27.
The former Manchester United striker had been scheduled to return to action for Sydney against Perth in the pre-season cup last Sunday, before injuring his groin in training.
Sydney plays Adelaide in Wollongong on Friday in the first semi-final of the pre-season tournament.
"It's great news that Dwight has been cleared of any major damage and he has been told with the right physio and rehab the best case scenario is that he could be fit in time for the game against the Mariners," coach Terry Butcher said.
"Dwight is the captain of this team and very important to what we are trying to achieve so to have him on the pitch is a massive bonus for us.
"He obviously has to work hard and do everything right but there is no doubt he will be doing what he needs to do to be back on the park as soon as possible."
Sydney FC physiotherapist Stan Ivanic said: "Yorkey is an absolute pro and there is no doubt he'll get back quickly, probably quicker than the average player.
"He always does everything asked of him and that will help get him back sooner rather than later.
"The target is to have him fit and ready to play on August 27 for the first game of the season but we are going to make sure he gets it right before he plays."