Western United will welcome Tomoki Imai back into the squad for the huge Isuzu UTE A-League Men Westgate Derby against Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
It comes at a perfect time for John Aloisi’s men with Dylan Leonard dropping out of the side due to suspension after receiving a red card in last week’s win over Perth Glory.
Imai has missed United’s last two matches with a hip flexor injury but has returned to training this week and will be pushing until matchday to be involved in the team.
The Japanese defender is a big boost for the Green and Black in a week with two significant outs as Sebastian Pasquali joins Leonard in missing this fixture.
After being substituted late in the first half against Perth last Friday, scans have later revealed Pasquali has suffered a fractured fibula and will be set for a spell on the sidelines.
Completing the remainder of the extended squad, Jordan Lauton returns to the 20-man list while James York and Oliver Lavale are named again and will hope to feature on matchday.
Ramy Najjarine made a successful return from injury last week and will have his eye on more involvement on Sunday, while Michael Ruhs will be eager to keep his place on the bench after being included last time out.
Full Western United A-League Men Extended Squad
Western United squad: 1. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (gk), 5. Oliver LAVALE, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 7. Ramy NAJJARINE, 9. Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10. Matthew GRIMALDI, 13. Tate RUSSELL, 14. Jake NAJDOVSKI, 17. Ben GARUCCIO,19. Noah BOTIC, 20. Abel WALATEE, 22. Kane VIDMAR, 23. Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 24. Michael RUHS, 29. Charbel SHAMOON, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matthew SUTTON (gk), 34. James YORK, 44. Jordan LAUTON, 77. Riku DANZAKI
Ins: 5. Oliver LAVALE, 6. Tomoki IMAI (returns from injury), 34. James YORK, 44. Jordan LAUTON (promoted)
Outs: 21. Sebastian PASQUALI (injured), 30. Dylan LEONARD (suspended)
Unavailable: 4. James DONACHIE (injured), 43. Khoder KADDOUR (injured)
