Hamstrung Juan Mata in doubt for ALM Sydney derby

Western Sydney marquee player Juan Mata concedes a hamstring injury could sideline him for a cut-throat Sydney derby.

Mata was forced out of last Friday’s 1-0 win over Brisbane after just 11 minutes and faces a race against time for Saturday night’s A-League Men clash with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.

“Unfortunately, I felt my hamstring the day before the game,” Mata said on Wednesday.

“I felt something in training, but I thought it was fine.

“I woke up OK, warm up, (felt) nothing, but in the game, taking the first corner … I felt something in the hamstring, and I tried to keep going, but I couldn’t really run or sprint, so I thought it was better to stop as a precaution.

“And let’s see. I’m feeling better every day, so let’s see.

“I had a little injury, so there’s something there. I was hoping that there was nothing in the scan, but the scan was not clear. So I’m taking every day as it comes and see how I feel for the weekend … but a hamstring is never good news.”

A decision will likely be made on Friday as to whether the 36-year-old plays in the high-stakes clash.

The eighth-placed Wanderers sit just three points behind fifth-placed Sydney.

“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,” Mata said.

“The table now is very tight. We are almost on the same amount of points, so it’s important to get points. Now the season is getting to a key point.

“So yeah, I’ll try my best to be in the game, because, of course, the atmosphere and everything is going to be so good. Let’s see how I develop until Friday, Saturday.”

Sydney marquee player Douglas Costa, who has battled his own soft-tissue injuries, saw the lighter side of things.

“I hope no,” Costa joked when asked if he knew whether Mata was playing.

“Nah, I’m just kidding – he’s a friend of mine.

“He’s an amazing player, so for the show, if he’s on the field, it’s going to be better.

“I’d love to see him play even more now against me in one of the biggest games in Australia.”

Brazilian Costa, 34, returned earlier than expected to feature against Adelaide last Friday and will likely be involved off the bench.

“I’m really happy to be back at the right time, then I can help my teammates in one of the most important games for us in the season,” Costa said.

“Of course it didn’t surprise me, because I worked every day to be fit and be well, to go again.”