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Perth's Ikonomidis cleared of major injury

3 minute read

Star forward Chris Ikonomidis has been cleared of serious damage to his shoulder and will be fit for Perth Glory's push for a maiden A-League title.

CHRIS IKONOMIDIS of Perth Glory looks on for a player to pass to during the A-League match between the Perth Glory and the Brisbane Roar at nib Stadium in Perth, Australia.
CHRIS IKONOMIDIS of Perth Glory looks on for a player to pass to during the A-League match between the Perth Glory and the Brisbane Roar at nib Stadium in Perth, Australia. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Perth Glory's A-League title hopes have received a major boost after star striker Chris Ikonomidis was cleared of a serious injury to his shoulder.

The club confirmed the 23-year-old had suffered only superficial damage when he dislocated his shoulder in the first half of Sunday's 3-0 win over Central Coast.

While the Socceroos forward could yet miss this weekend's game against Newcastle as a precaution, he will almost certainly be fit to return before the finals in May.

The scan prognosis will come as a relief for coach Tony Popovic as Ikonomidis has been a pivotal figure for the competition leaders, scoring eight goals and delivering three assists.

His form saw him win selection for the Asian Cup in January, where he started all five games for Australia.

Ikonomidis was confident straight after the Mariners game that there was no fracture and that surgery wouldn't be required.

He said he could tell the damage wasn't as extensive as two years ago, when he dislocated the same shoulder.

"It's feeling all right, my gut feeling is it's not too serious, not as bad as last time. I'm pretty optimistic," he told journalists.

"I knew straight away what was going on but it went back pretty quickly, which is positive."

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