Western United ALM Squad: Round 18 vs Newcastle Jets

John Aloisi is set to welcome Ben Garuccio back into contention for his Western United side ahead of the Green and Black’s trip to face Newcastle Jets on Saturday.

The left-back has not featured since suffering a calf injury against Melbourne City in early January but has been included in Aloisi’s extended 20-man squad.

Garuccio could provide a big boost to United’s side in defence, as could Josh Risdon who is expected to be available for selection again having missed the previous two fixtures.

Connor O’Toole has started each of the last two games after joining the Club at the end of the transfer window and will be eager to hold onto his spot in the XI in competition with Garuccio and Risdon.

Aloisi will, however, be without Rhys Bozinovski for this and the next couple of matches, with the young midfielder jetting off to the AFC U20 Asian Cup with the Joeys.

Sebastian Pasquali has been recalled into the extended squad as a result and will hope to put himself in the final 18-man list on matchday.

Competition continues to be rife in the forward positions for United with a number of players vying to start. Connor Pain will be out to return to the XI having come off the bench in Launceston last weekend.

Steven Lustica is nearing a return from injury while Ramy Najjarine and Nikolai Topor-Stanley are also continue their respective recoveries.

Full Western United squad

Western United squad: 1. Jamie YOUNG (gk), 4. Leo LACROIX, 5. Dylan PIERIAS, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 7. Tongo DOUMBIA, 8. Lachie WALES, 9. Michael RUHS, 11. Connor PAIN, 14. James TROISI, 17. Ben GARUCCIO, 19. Josh RISDON, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI, 23. Alessandro DIAMANTI (c), 24. Connor O’TOOLE, 27. Jacob TRATT, 31. Adisu BAYEW, 37. Ryan SCOTT (gk) 38. Noah BOTIC, 88. Neil KILKENNY, 99. Aleksandar PRIJOVIC

Ins: 17. Ben GARUCCIO (returns from injury),19. Josh RISDON, 21. Sebastian PASQUALI (promoted)

Outs: 42. Rhys BOZINOVSKI (international duty)

Unavailable: 10. Steven LUSTICA (injured), 20. Ramy NAJJARINE (injured), 44. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY (injured)