Juan Mata has refused to rule himself out of Saturday night’s blockbuster derby against Sydney FC as the Western Sydney Wanderers superstar waits to make a decision on his fitness.
Mata is attempting to recover from a hamstring injury after hobbling off in the 11th minute of last week’s 1-0 win away to Brisbane Roar in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Asked about his injury at Bondi Beach on Wednesday, Mata told reporters: “Unfortunately, I felt my hamstring.
“The day before the game, I felt something in training but I thought it was fine. I woke up okay and in the warm-up (I felt nothing).
Mata had started six of Western Sydney’s last seven matches, scoring once and supplying two assists in that period.
Pressed on whether he had a scan on his hamstring, Mata replied: “I had a little injury. There’s something there.
With all eyes on Mata’s fitness, the 36-year-old was further questioned on the medical advice he had received from the Wanderers staff.
Mata, who said he is happy in Australia after revealing he is yet to make a decision on his Wanderers future beyond 2024-25, added: “I hope on Friday I feel better and we can make the decision.
“Of course we have more players ready to play but if I end up not playing it’s a pity because of course this is a very nice game to play and hopefully a good game for us.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC star Douglas Costa is not expecting to start against the Wanderers as he works his way back to full fitness.
Costa return from a hamstring injury in Round 17, the former Bayern Munich, Juventus and Brazil attacker was an 83rd-minute substitute in the 4-1 rout of Adelaide United.
“That’s more a coach option because I just played like 10 minutes in the last game.
“I don’t think I’ll start from the beginning but I’ll be there to get my minutes and try to help the team once again.”
