Strikers primed for Sydney return in ALM elimination final

Striker Patrick Wood is available for Sydney FC again in a boost for the Sky Blues ahead of their elimination final against Macarthur FC.

Out of action since February with a stress fracture in his ankle, Wood could feature when Ufuk Talay’s men aim to bring the Bulls’ A-League Men season to an end at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

The 21-year-old was managing the stress fracture for four weeks before aggravating it when he returned to action from a one-match ban against Central Coast in round 16.

Wood had been expected to return for their final-round match against Perth Glory but Talay says the club had opted to delay the striker’s return instead.

“We were expecting him a week earlier but we gave him that extra week. He had to tick a few boxes,” Talay said.

“He’ll be training today and be available for selection for the weekend.”

Sydney will enter the clash at full strength with Fabio Gomes also returning to the side.

The Brazillian did not take part in their 7-1 dismantling of the Glory with hamstring tightness.

“Everyone’s good. Fabio is back training today,” Talay said on Thursday.

“Obviously limited with minutes but the good thing is both Fabio and ‘Woody’ are back.”

Sydney have lost both regular-season matches against Macarthur, with each affair featuring red cards.

A 10-man Sky Blues were made to settle for a 2-0 loss at home before slumping to a 1-0 defeat to a nine-man Bulls in their last meeting.

“I thought there was a little spice in the first game where we played with 10 men and then they played with nine men so there was a bit of spice in that game,” Talay said.

“I’m sure there will definitely be spice this Saturday night as well. We’ve got the attributes and the players to win games and achieve big things.

“The boys know that it’s not a light switch. You can’t turn it on and off when you want too and that’s why we need to be 100 per cent focused.”