Alen Stajcic reacts to Adelaide’s send-off and hints at’serious’ injury to Wanderers star.

Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Alen Stajcic has spoken out following his dramatic send-off during his side’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Adelaide United on Friday night.

While the win extended the Wanderers’ unbeaten streak to four games, the night was not without controversy or potential setbacks.

The Send-Off Incident

Stajcic was dismissed in stoppage time at Coopers Stadium after being shown a red card by referee Daniel Cook, having already been cautioned earlier in the match. The altercation occurred as Stajcic ventured near the opposition’s technical area, purportedly to check on the welfare of midfielder Dylan Scicluna.

Stajcic explained the situation post-game:

“I was actually animated because my player was down on the ground, and I suspected an injury with people crowding around him. Some of their staff were calling him a cheat, telling him to get up, but he was actually seriously injured.”

He further elaborated:

“I got sent off just for being close to the pitch. They said I was in their technical area—I didn’t think I was. I thought I was just there trying to see the condition of my player.”

The red card means Stajcic will miss the New Year’s Day clash against Macarthur Bulls.

Concerns for Dylan Scicluna

The injury to Scicluna, sustained during a challenge with Adelaide winger Yaya Dukuly, is a pressing concern for the Wanderers. While Scicluna managed to finish the match, Stajcic hinted at a potentially serious knee issue:

“He might be out for a long time. It’s a pretty disappointing moment and a massive challenge for us now. We’re hoping he’s okay, but we’ll obviously confirm that during the week.”

Scicluna, a key contributor to the victory with an assist for Bozhidar Kraev’s winning goal, will undergo scans to determine the severity of the injury.

Additional Injury Woes

Defender Gabriel Cleur also exited the game in the 79th minute due to a suspected soft tissue injury. Stajcic confirmed that both Cleur and Scicluna would be assessed in the coming days:

“Cleur’s injury appears to be a soft tissue issue, and we’ll send him for scans alongside Dylan to get a clearer picture.”

Impact and Outlook

The Wanderers’ hard-fought victory over Adelaide propelled them further up the A-League table, but the potential loss of two key players could complicate their momentum as they prepare for their next fixture.

Stajcic, who has been instrumental in Western Sydney’s resurgence this season, will also be a notable absence from the touchline against Macarthur Bulls. The Wanderers will now focus on injury assessments and maintaining their form amid mounting challenges.

More updates on Scicluna and Cleur’s fitness are expected in the coming week.

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