The Wanderers are anxious not to lose the services of Ziegler, who provided some much needed leadership and stability to a backline that has been inconsistent so far this season.

Loading

The former Kaiserslauten centre-back is one of only two foreign players recruited by Babbel this season. The coach has made no secret of the importance he places on Ziegler role in the team. Babbel will likely leave the final decision up to Ziegler, giving the experienced defender the responsibility of informing the club's medical staff whether he is fit to play a full match.

"He is old enough and has enough experience to say, 'I can play 100 percent or not'. I hope, because he's very important for us," he said.

The Wanderers are set to be boosted by the return from injury of of attacking midfielder Roly Bonevacia, who is in contention to make his first appearance since their round three win away to Wellington Phoenix six weeks ago. The Dutchman is fully fit but no certainty to start against the Sky Blues, given the impressive performances of wingers Jaushua Sotirio and Bruce Kamau in last week's win over the Mariners.