Verbeek confirms Semi Final team news, plans to add two more recruits

Adelaide United boss Gertjan Verbeek says the club are not done in the transfer market yet.

The 57-year-old Dutchman is hopeful of a midfielder and left-sided defender arriving before their season-opening clash with Sydney FC on October 11.

One of these new signings – as Verbeek originally confirmed back in August - will be a Chinese player.

“We have to [fill these two positions],” he told reporters on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday night’s FFA Cup Semi Final against Central Coast Mariners.

“… in the midfield and in defence also, we have a problem because I don’t have much left-footed defenders.

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“I’m satisfied that [young players] can do it for one or two games but not for 27. So, if we get a main injury we'd have to search for a defender.”

Verbeek will be without newly promoted attacker Kusini Yengi and Curacao international Michaël Maria for Wednesday evening’s Semi Final clash with the Mariners in Gosford.

The pair have only just re-joined training after suffering respective groin and abdominal issues last week.

Nikola Mileusnić (hamstring) and Pacifique Niyongabire (ankle) are also doubts.

“If you’re a sportsman, you want to win prizes and the cup is one of them,” Verbeek said.

"If you're so close to the final you have to do all you can to win the Semi Final.”

2014 and 2018 FFA Cup winners Adelaide United are one step away from another Final
2014 and 2018 FFA Cup winners Adelaide United are one step away from another Final
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