Western Sydney’s hopes of kicking off the A-League season in style have suffered a blow, with new Wanderers captain Brandon Borrello in doubt for his side’s derby against Sydney FC on Friday night.
Socceroo Borrello, who was last week announced as Wanderers skipper for the club’s 2026-27 campaign, is understood to have muscle injury that has him as long odds to take on the Sky Blues at Allianz Stadium.
The 31-year-old attacker, who has replaced goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas as the club’s captain, was on Thursday named in Western Sydney’s extended 20-man squad for the derby.
However, two players will be omitted from the squad ahead of the game.
In better news for the Wanderers, returning star Nicolas Milanovic is expected to play despite concerns over a quad problem.
However, the expected loss of the inspirational Borrello isn’t ideal for a Wanderers side intent on starting the season on a high after a disastrous 2025-26 wooden spoon campaign.
“Brandon’s been leading from the front since day one (of pre-season),” Wanderers coach Ufuk Talay said earlier this week.
“He’s probably one of our most experienced players and I know he’s going to lead the boys quite well.”
In Borrello’s likely absence, one of the club’s two new vice-captains – defenders Alex Gersbach and German Ferreyra – is set to don the armband.
Argentine centre-back Ferreyra, who joined the Wanderers in the off-season from Melbourne City, is relishing the prospect of his first Sydney derby, believing it was be a “lot crazier” than the games he played for City against Melbourne Victory.
“The people are crazy here, whereas in the Melbourne derby it’s a little bit more of a relaxed atmosphere,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing that crazy atmosphere. It’s like a war cry for me.”
Ferreyra said he had “settled in very well” at the Wanderers.
“My teammates, the coaching staff and the club staff have made me feel very welcome, so it’s been a very easy transition into the club,” he said.
Ferreyra also said that new Wanderers boss Talay – who returns to Allianz Stadium on Friday night to face his former club – had a “winning mentality” similar to Melbourne City mentor Aurelio Vidmar.
“I like Uffy’s direct style of play,” he said.
“As long as the coaching staff and the players believe in me, I feel very good about the upcoming season.
“I have come here to help this team get into the playoffs and be champions this season.”
Meanwhile, recent Sky Blues signing Jacob Farrell, who joined Sydney on loan from English club Portsmouth last month, will miss Friday’s clash with a groin injury, while teammate Abel Walatee (ankle) is also sidelined.