Harold's hopes of starting the season with a bang vanished in an instant when a late-night doctor informed him he had contracted chickenpox.

The diagnosis came just 12 days before the season-opening fixture against Western Sydney, with Harold confined to what he dubbed "house arrest" for the next 10 days.

"A few days after the diagnosis I was covered head to toe," Harold said.

"The GP said it was one of the worst cases he's ever seen. It was like having a body full of pimples really. I wasn't at my most glamorous.

"I managed to restrain myself pretty well from scratching, because I knew if I scratched the hell out of it it was going to scar."

Harold returned to training on Monday, and he's hoping to be part of the side that takes on Victory at AAMI Park on Sunday.

"I feel much better now. Every day I feel a bit better," Harold said.

"I dropped about two and a half kilos (during the chickenpox) not really eating properly.

"And sitting around, you lose a bit of muscle. So it's a matter of easing my way back into training again.

"I'm hopeful I'll feel good and ready to play on the weekend. It's just a matter of whether the boss picks me."

Harold has been a fixture in the Glory line-up over the past three years, but he faces a major fight for game time this season given the quality of the squad.

The 26-year-old law student praised the influence of new coach Tony Popovic, saying the former Wanderers mentor has brought a winning mentality and a strong professional edge to Glory.

Perth drew with the Wanderers 1-1 last week, and they face a major challenge against a Victory outfit aiming to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to arch rivals Melbourne City.

Diego Castro (hamstring) and Matthew Spiranovic (hip surgery) missed the season opener, and are no guarantees to play against Victory.

Australian Associated Press