Newcastle Jets captain Kosta Grozos has declared himself fit to lead his side into their New Year's Day A-League Men blockbuster against Auckland FC, despite nursing a painful shoulder injury.
Playing Through the Pain Barrier
The defensive midfielder is adopting a unique approach to managing the issue, actively avoiding conversations with the club physiotherapist about the exact nature of the problem. Grozos aggravated the injury, originally sustained in a heavy fall against Sydney FC, during the Jets' dramatic 5-4 Boxing Day loss to Macarthur FC.
"The shoulder is OK, just a little niggle which has been troubling me for a bit," Grozos said before the team departed for New Zealand. "I had a bit of pain against Macarthur. Usually I get through it. It's nothing, just a shoulder. I have been avoiding asking the physio what the issue is. It's nothing that can't be fixed. I'm good to go."
Defensive Resolve to Be Tested
Grozos's durability will be crucial, with the Jets' defensive stocks already stretched thin. The match against Auckland's combative midfield, led by Belgian enforcer Louis Verstraete, promises a physical contest. Grozos has missed just three games in the past two seasons, one due to suspension, highlighting his importance to the squad.
The Jets are reeling from conceding five goals at home for the first time under coach Mark Milligan. Grozos admitted the defensive performance was below standard. "Conceding five goals at home is not the way you want to go," he said. "When you score four, you'd think it would be enough for a win. Mentally we weren't there."
Injury Crisis and Returning Firepower
Newcastle's defensive woes are compounded by injuries. Daniel Wilmering suffered a calf injury in the warm-up before the Macarthur game, forcing teenager Richard Nkomo into an A-League debut. Tom Aquilina remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, and Aleks Susnjar has departed the club.
However, there is positive news in attack. Max Burgess has returned to full training from a groin strain, and Kota Mizunuma is now fully fit and pushing for a starting role. The returning players add energy and experience, providing Milligan with more options.
The Jets will draw confidence from being one of only three teams to have beaten Auckland at home since the club's inception, securing a 2-1 victory in torrential rain on November 30. With rain again predicted for the New Year's Day fixture, Grozos believes his team can repeat the feat if they match their previous intensity.
