Melbourne Victory have announced captain Carl Valeri will miss the rest of the current A-League campaign with an ongoing illness.
The illness is affecting part of Valeri’s brain and has seen the captain sidelined since 28 November, when Victory hosted and defeated Adelaide United. Yet the actual cause of the inflammation remains a mystery.
The decision was a mutual one between Valeri and the club, made in order to afford the skipper plenty of time to recover. Club doctor Krishant Naidu says he remains optimistic Valeri will make a full recovery in due time.
“Carl developed incoordination and balance problems eight weeks ago. Extensive tests and specialist neurological reviews have determined an isolated inflammatory process affecting a small part of the brain. The exact cause of this inflammation is unknown,” Melbourne Victory club doctor, Krishant Naidu, said.
“Carl’s condition has continued to improve with treatment but he has not recovered sufficiently to be able to return to football training.
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“As such he will be unavailable for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League season. The inflammation remains isolated and continues to decrease in size.
“We are optimistic that Carl will continue to make a full recovery. This is expected to take a few months.
“Carl will continue his rehabilitation under supervision and devote his energies to his recovery.”
Valeri, 31, says it was best for him to follow the advice of medical staff despite remaining frustrated on the sidelines.
“It has been a frustrating time for me not being able to join my team-mates on the pitch for the last few months,” he said.
“The doctors have been happy with the progress I’ve been making, but they believe it’s the best thing for me to take the right amount of time to recover fully.
“I’m grateful to the club for taking the view that they have, and I look forward to returning in a full time basis and leading the team again.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Melbourne Victory, and all the members and fans who have wished me well and respected my privacy during this time.”
Whether Kevin Muscat’s standpoint on signing an injury replacement has changed is unclear – the coach ruled out the possibility in December.
Victory stalwart Leigh Broxham, who will play his 200th match for Melbourne Victory on Saturday night, continues to deputise as captain.
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