Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica believes star captain Hiroki Sakai will be “alright” to return for next week’s blockbuster New Zealand Derby against Wellington Phoenix.
Sakai did not feature in Auckland’s 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets on Saturday due to a hamstring injury.
Asked about the absence of the Japanese star, Corica told reporters: “He felt his hamstring last week in the game but he continued. He finished the game no problem.
“I think he should be alright. We’ll see how he goes next week training wise and go from there.
“We showed the depth today in the squad with Callan Elliot. I thought he was exceptional, so we will see what happens next week.”
