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Petratos looks fit for A-League decider

Getty

Getty

Brisbane expect to be at full strength for Sunday’s A-League decider against Western Sydney with winger Dimitri Petratos rated a “99 per cent” chance of playing.

Petratos missed training at Ballymore on Wednesday morning to nurse his swollen ankle but Roar coach Mike Mulvey said he was certain to return to action in their next session on Friday.

The rising attacker copped a heavy kick from Adama Traore in the weekend’s 1-0 semi-final win over Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium and had to be replaced midway through the second half.

Versatile Socceroos defender Ivan Franjic looms as Petratos’ back-up on the right wing, ahead of Brazilian striker Henrique, but Mulvey doesn’t expect to choose between the two.

“I reckon, 99 per cent, he (Petratos) will be fit,” Mulvey said.

“It looks good. The swelling has gone down. He’s confident, (the physio) is confident, so I’m confident.

“He will train Friday. If he doesn’t train Friday, he won’t be in the team, simple as that.

“You can’t take anyone hobbling into a grand final but I’m very confident he’ll be fit.”

The Wanderers have a bigger injury concern with striker Mark Bridge rated a 50-50 chance by coach Tony Popovic after rolling his ankle in their 2-0 win over Central Coast.

Bridge needs to start running on Thursday to keep his hopes alive of playing the decider in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium.

Officials expect the 52,500 seats to be sold out after heavy interest since tickets went on sale on Tuesday.

The Roar have only beaten the Wanderers once in the Sydney club’s two-year history but Brisbane captain Matt Smith dismissed the record and pointed to this season’s return of one win and two draws to the premiers.

“It’s a grand final,” Smith said. “Past history is irrelevant.”

AAP

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