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'Serious' Nabbout injury sours Victory win

3 minute read

Melbourne Victory coach Marco Kurz expects to be without Andrew Nabbout for "a couple of games" after an injury in their A-League win over Brisbane.

MARCO KURZ
MARCO KURZ Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Melbourne Victory coach Marco Kurz knows his squad will have their work cut out as the injuries mount just three games into the A-League season.

Socceroos forward Andrew Nabbout was the latest casualty on Friday night, limping off with a hamstring injury against Brisbane that the coach fears is serious.

He'll join national teammate Robbie Kruse (hamstring) and fellow linchpin Tim Hoogland on the sidelines for the Victory, who at least managed their first win in a grinding 1-0 defeat of the Roar.

Nabbout scored the game's only goal before grabbing at his leg shortly after and calling it a night.

The player himself tried to talk it down during an interview on the sideline moments later, but his coach was less optimistic post-game.

"He's a high-speed player so when he stops like that (you'd think it's a) serious injury; I can't say, but I expect we miss him for a couple of games," the coach said.

Their depth will be tested with Kruse, his other high-profile winger, hobbled by the same complaint.

"Yeah, but it's the chance for the other players; big squad, everybody wants to play and perform," he said.

"Not only Andrew and Robbie but also Hoogland; they are for us very important but that (bulk injuries) can be always during the season and now we have to fight to get points."

There will be no shortage of class left on the pitch though, with captain Ola Toivonen the difference on Friday.

He set up Nabbout's goal, hit the post himself from a second-half free kick and constantly threatened whenever touching the ball despite heavy attention.

"He's the captain, the face of the team," Kurz said.

"He's going forward and the boys followed him."

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