Football
AAP 6y

Adelaide United sweating on Johan Absalonsen fitness for FFA Cup final

Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz is coy on whether Danish star Johan Absalonsen will return from injury to play in Tuesday night's FFA Cup final.

The winger has returned to full training on recovery from a thigh injury he picked up in last month's Cup semifinal win over Western Sydney.

And while Kurz on Monday revealed his entire squad has travelled to Sydney for Tuesday night's decider against Sydney FC, he was cagey on what part the winger would play at Allianz Stadium.

"We will see tomorrow," Kurz said. "I cannot give you the line-up for tomorrow."

Pressed whether Absalonsen was fit, Kurz said: "I hope he has a chance."

Captain Isaias, Michael Marrone and the injured Tarek Elrich are the only current players in the 2014 side that beat Perth Glory to win the inaugural trophy at Hindmarsh Stadium.

The Reds will aim for a repeat as underdogs away from home.

But Kurz thought that tag might play to their advantage for a potential boilover at Sydney's Allianz Stadium fortress.

"Sydney FC is a very good team -- the champions from last year," he said.

"But it's one game, and in one game we have the chance of an underdog to win. That's our goal tomorrow.

"We are very happy and proud to be in the final, but we are in Sydney to have the chance for a win."

The Reds have been forced to make two trips to NSW in four days after flying up for last Thursday's 2-1 A-League win over Central Coast.

Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold has backed his own side's ideal home preparation -- albeit with a shorter turnaround from Saturday's game -- but Kurz said it wasn't an excuse.

"We have enough rest," he said. "Sydney FC played on Saturday, and they have not so much rest like us.

"Also the travel back to Adelaide was good because the boys can stay with their families from three nights.

"For me it's the best regeneration to come back and we travel this morning.

"We are ready and we are fit for tomorrow. It's not a reason."

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