It has been a tumultuous two years for Melbourne City left-winger Michael Zullo.
A forgotten Socceroo along with a deflating ACL injury which has kept him out for the majority of 2015-16 season, Zullo has endured a taxing spell watching from the stands.
Melbourne City lock horns with Wellington Phoenix on Monday night, a crucial clash for City as they have a chance to climb to third on the table should Sydney FC lose to Melbourne Victory.
City have proved to be dangerous numerous times this season with a full strength squad, now boasting new loan signing Anthony Caceres as well as Bruno Fornaroli, continually deadly, Harry Novillo and now the potential return of a fully fit Zullo.
It could all change for Zullo very quickly. Returning to start against Perth Glory in the West last Saturday and subsequently being subbed off, the winger could potentially return to play a full game against the Phoenix on Monday night.
“I think I’ve been given the go signal to play 90 by the medical staff, physically I feel like I’m getting there,” Zullo said.
“I’ve done some really hard work in the last five weeks to get myself ready for this next little chapter.
“(The Wellington game) was the first time I’ve had more than 45 minutes in league in a year and a half.
“It’s easy to forget that sometimes because it’s been a long build-up.
“Personally it was a pretty big occasion, I’m still conscious of the fact that I have a long way to go to get back to where I was, to get back to the level I know I reach.”
With Zullo’s defensive return, it could mean left-back Ben Garuccio may be pushed up into midfield. Right back Ivan Franjic is still yet to return from a thigh injury – a full strength back four could be Franjic on the right, Aaron Hughes and Patrick Kisnorbo centrally with Zullo on the left.
Zullo’s adds depth in City’s defence. Despite playing the majority of his career at the left-midfield, it is now a preferred left-back role playing in the back four.
“I love playing left-wing, I’ve never made any secrets of that, that’s where I started off in my career,” he said.
“With this formation we’re playing now in particular, with wing-back it’s well suited for me.
“It’s a very challenging position because it adds a lot more running to the game, you have the added role of being an attacking outlet, but still have a defensive role to play.”
Zullo had only played three games this season to date: 45 minutes against Melbourne Victory in the second week of the season, his return against Sydney FC in round 13 and finally the game against Perth Glory last Saturday.
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The 27-year-old spoke of the mental blow of sustaining a long-term injury and having to keep fit, as well as the frustration of not being able to run around on the pitch.
“It’s kind of hard to explain really because when you first do your ACL, you get given a nine month timeline but it’s never really like that, I was fit and training again after seven months,” he said.
“(Being) so long out of the game my body wasn’t really conditioned to professional football again.
“It wasn’t a very happy period in my life but hopefully all that’s behind me. I think footballs given me so much in my life I think most of the stuff people see is what you do on the weekend.
“The high points is only what people see, the low points are off camera and to yourself and it can be a very lonely time.
“It’s a difficult time in your life but a lot of footballers have been through it and have come out better on the other side so that’s given me strength throughout it.”
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