FC sweat on Mierzejewski for Sydney derby

Oct 15, 2017 - 4:32 PM Hamstrung Adrian Mierzejewski is confident he can get up for the Sydney derby despite limping off the field six days before his first crosstown A-League clash.

Sydney FC are sweating on the fitness of their newest star, who is in heavy doubt for the first clash against Western Sydney this season.

With an assist among his moments of quality, the purring Polish winger demonstrated again why he is key to the Sky Blues' title defence.

But Mierzejewski was subbed 54 minutes into Sunday's 3-2 win over Wellington after an innocuous pass had him clutching at his hamstring and then prone on the Allianz Stadium turf requesting to be removed.

"I felt a little bit of pain and I asked the coach for the change," Mierzejewski said afterwards.

"A little bit of tightness and at 50 minutes we have 3-1. I am just new here in the league.

"I didn't want to risk because next Saturday we have an important game. I think I will be OK."

Mierzejewski's assurances aside, only scans will reveal the extent of the injury and until then coach Graham Arnold is in for a nervous wait.

Arnold played down its seriousness but in the same breath spoke of back-up plans.

"He copped a knock in the back in the first half, and he felt his hamstring start to tighten," Arnold said.

"So it was more precaution. He'll be fine for the derby.

"We've got plenty of depth. Yes we want him on the field but Dave Carney is playing well ... I've never seen Carney in better form.

"I have a lot of trust and faith and belief in Carns, if he has to play he'll do the job no problem at all."

Arnold praised his side for winning three games in one week, having split their A-League duties with Wednesday's 5-1 FFA Cup semi-final win over South Melbourne.

He was less impressed, however, by the defensive efforts that shipped the season's first two goals four weeks earlier than last campaign.

But he expected time off followed by tactical sessions would have the team well-prepared against a Hayden Foxe-run Wanderers outfit that coughed up two goals against Central Coast at home on Saturday.

"We're at home, we've got a great home record and we're in top shape," Arnold said.

"I'll give the boys two days off now to recover - they've been going straight now for two weeks - to mentally freshen up, clean their brains and get ready for next week."

Source: AAP