Wellington will regain some star power as they prepare for Sunday's crunch battle with the Jets in Newcastle.
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David Ball is back following a two-match suspension, while striker Tomer Hemed will be given limited game time on return after recovering from a hamstring injury as the Phoenix eye off victory to rise off the foot of the A-League ladder.
It is a timely boost for the Wollongong-based side, who are preparing for their third game in seven days. The Phoenix started the week playing out a 2-2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers at WIN Stadium, before falling 2-0 to the Victory in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
In Ball and Hemed's absence, young gun Ben Waine and Mirza Muratovic have done an admirable job.
However, Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay said on Saturday morning that his side would welcome back Ball and Hemed's experience.
"Once we returned from Melbourne, he (Hemed) trained with the group so he will be available for the Newcastle game. Not for the full 90, but we will slowly bleed him back into the squad. He's likely to come off the bench at this stage," he said.
"Most importantly, Tomer brings a bit of experience in front of goal, and what we need to do is get the ball to him so he can score his goals. For us, he's a very important player in the sense that he's able to bring players into the game. He gives us a bit of height, especially when we're under a bit of pressure, so we can be more direct as well.
"David Ball is also available for selection so hopefully we can bring him back in. 'Bally' is a very energetic player and can play in multiple positions for us, he can work off the line as a nine and he gives us a lot of forward runs as well. For us, that's the way we play, we need to stretch the play, we need players to run in behind. Bally has been a very important player for us and was very inferential in our success last year.
"Tomer and Bally, if they do start scoring, that confidence will build, and that composure in front of goals will come."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
