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Roar confront further A-League injuries

3 minute read

Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce has revealed that French star Florin Berenguer was robbed after settling into his new A-League home.

Coach WARREN JOYCE of Melbourne City looks on before the League match between Melbourne City FC and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia.
Coach WARREN JOYCE of Melbourne City looks on before the League match between Melbourne City FC and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Brisbane Roar's campaign from hell could be about to get even tougher, with Henrique and Ruon Tongyik set for spells on the sidelines.

The pair both limped out of the Roar's 4-1 defeat by Melbourne City on Friday night, worsening the league's most injury-hit club further.

Henrique's career could be in doubt after a late groin issue, while Tongyik also didn't return after half-time with another soft tissue injury.

Brett Holman, Stefan Mauk, Jack Hingert, Tobias Mikkelsen, Daniel Bowles, Connor O'Toole and Dane Ingham are already missing for interim coach Darren Davies' side.

The Roar have, perhaps understandably, shipped 20 goals in their last six games but Davies has pledged an improvement for their run-in.

"We've got three games at home and we're going to be giving our best," he said stridently after the defeat in Melbourne.

"We're going to wear the badge with pride and we're go with all we've got to win those three games."

Davies said playing futures were on the line.

"The positive is those young boys get an opportunity but they have to take that opportunity. So when the new coach is watching ... contracts are up and obviously we'll be looking towards next season."

While suffering Brisbane fans can't wait for their season to end, the few still enamoured by City at least witnessed the club hit four at AAMI Park.

With just 5,012 in the stands, Rostyn Griffiths, Shayon Harrison, Ritchie de Laet and Riley McGree all bulged the net to erase the goal difference lost by their 3-0 road defeat last week.

City have matches against fellow finals-bound sides Wellington and Adelaide to come in back-to-back weeks meaning a fourth-place finish and home final is still in their grasp.

"The morale's been really good considering," coach Warren Joyce said.

"We've done lots of work to try and develop leaders and make them accountable and more demanding on one another.

"They're a really good group, really honest professionals."

Joyce paid particular tribute to Frenchman Florin Berenguer, who was influential across the evening for his best outing in a City shirt.

"It's not east to come and settle and integrate yourself. He's had one or two problems ... he even got robbed," Joyce said.

"His house for broken into once.

"But he worked his absolute socks off ... he looked good tonight."

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