Western United boss John Aloisi has submitted his 20-man extended squad for his side’s 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League Men home opener against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Captain Ben Garuccio will miss again with the groin injury that kept him out of last week’s contest against Wellington Phoenix, so Jordan Lauton comes into the extended list for the first time this season.
The remaining 19 players are as they were last week, with James York joining Lauton in hoping to break into the matchday squad.
Tate Russell will be gearing up to take on his former team for the first time, with the right-back making his Isuzu UTE A-League debut in United colours last week after playing 85 games for the Wanderers.
He and Hiroshi Ibusuki will be making their home debuts at Ironbark Fields and will be eager to make an immediate impression on their new fans and help the team secure a big three points.
Young players dominate the squad again after seven Western United Academy graduates featured on opening day in Wellington.
Noah Botic will be eager to continue building his fitness base after making his first competitive appearance since the beginning of March, coming off the bench with immediate impact to set up Angus Thurgate’s equaliser.
Full Western United A-League Men Extended Squad
Western United squad: 1. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (gk), 4. James DONACHIE, 5. Oliver LAVALE, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 9. Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10. Matthew GRIMALDI, 13. Tate RUSSELL, 14. Jake NAJDOVSKI, 19. Noah BOTIC, 20. Abel WALATEE, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI, 23. Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 29. Charbel SHAMOON, 30. Dylan LEONARD, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matthew SUTTON (gk), 34. James YORK, 44. Jordan LAUTON, 37. Luke VICKERY, 77. Riku DANZAKI
Ins: 34. James YORK, 44. Jordan LAUTON (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 7. Ramy NAJJARINE (injured), 17. Ben GARUCCIO (injured), 41. Besian KUTLESHI (international duty), 43. Khoder KADDOUR (injured)
