Ħamrun Spartans are set to start their Premier League title defence without influential defender Emerson Marcelina as the Brazilian defender has been ruled out for six weeks due to a muscle injury.
Marcelina suffered the injury during Ħamrun Spartans’ UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, second leg tie against FC Ballkani at the Tony Bezzina Stadium when he limped out injured in the match’s opening minutes.
Tests showed that the experienced Brazilian defender needs six weeks to recover from this setback, leaving coach Alessandro Zinnari without one of his key defenders as they kick off their title defence against Żabbar St Patrick on Sunday.
The loss of Marcelina is another blow for Zinnari who is already sweating on the fitness of a number of key players.
Brazilian midfielder Eder is also recovering from a muscle injury he picked up in the team’s European matches while Ryan Camenzuli is facing a race against time to declare himself fully fit after picking up an injury with the national team during the June friendlies.
Juan Corbalan is another player who is working hard to recover full fitness.
Despite his injury problems, coach Zinnari had no qualms in fielding young blood in their European campaign.
In fact, wing back Mattias Ellul, central defender Sven Xerri and midfielder Daniel Letherby stood out for the Spartans with their tactical discipline, energy and enthusiasm and are likely to again play a major role for the Malta champions this season.
So far, the Spartans have refused to go into the market to bring in reinforcements but it remains to be seen if the club will maintain this stance given the limited options coach Zinnari has in the current situation.
