Injuries are just part of the game – Sydney’s Lavicka

The fact that both John Aloisi and captain Steve Corica are out of the Grand Final and defender Shannon Cole is in doubt hasn’t got Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka down as he believes it is just part and parcel of the game.

Saturday night’s rivals Melbourne Victory have had their fair share of injury woes in recent times and the Czech tactician understands that things like this are bound to occur purely because of the nature of the game.

"That's football, Melbourne had a problem before with injury, Thompson and Kruse, now they are fit and ready to play and we have a couple of injuries, a couple of problems," Lavicka said.

"But I trust the players. I trust the team unity of Sydney FC.

"We have a big game before us, but we have a clear intention and the desire to achieve success."

And Lavicka added that he believes young striker Chris Payne can fill the void left by the injured Aloisi in Saturday’s Grand Final.

The 19-year old scored twice in last weekend’s Preliminary Final coming as a first half substitute for Aloisi, albeit one goal was controversial, but Lavicka is confident he can do the job for the Sky Blues against the Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium.

"He seemed confident at the training game this morning and probably he's confident enough and strong enough to play on Saturday," Lavicka said.

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