Melbourne City are confident of regaining key players this weekend as they look to hold onto top spot on the A-League ladder.
City are looking to consolidate their 2-1 derby defeat of arch-rivals Melbourne Victory -- achieved with 12 players missing due to injury, illness and unavailability -- with a win at Central Coast on Saturday.
The good news for Warren Joyce's side is they will regain left-back Scott Jamieson and attacking threat Dario Vidosic for the trip.
Jamieson was a touch-and-go proposition for the derby, with club medicos recommending not to take the risk on their skipper in the opening game of a long season.
Vidosic reported sick and is on track to return to full fitness for Saturday's game in Gosford.
The pair's absence led to Joyce naming virtual unknowns Idrus Abdulahi, just 15, and Anthony Lesiotis, 18, on the bench against Victory.
Lesiotis made his A-League debut as a late substitute for Lachlan Wales with Abdulahi spared a run-out which would have made him the youngest player in A-League history.
The bad news is Osama Malik, an ever-present for City last term, is likely to be missing for the next fortnight and possibly longer. The utility has a calf injury, making him a longer-term proposition along with Curtis Good and Michael O'Halloran.
Good is viewed as a project player by City after enduring consecutive seasons ruined by serious injuries while based overseas with Newcastle United.
O'Halloran has a hamstring injury and is being prepared for a return around Christmas.
City and Wellington were the only winners from the opening round of matches and both face tricky away dates this weekend.
City play the Mariners -- complete with ex-City striker Ross McCormack -- who are fresh off a 1-1 draw with Brisbane, who are the Nix's opponents on Sunday.
