

Marco Kurz has announced his extended Adelaide United 18-man squad ahead of Saturday night’s massive Original Rivalry match with Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

The Reds, who have not lost to Melbourne under Kurz, will be looking to secure back-to-back wins over the Victory since February 2013.

In a welcomed boost, Danish winger, Johan Absalonsen, returns from injury.

Meanwhile, defender, Tarek Elrich, has also been included in the preliminary squad for the first time this season since suffering a serious knee injury in April last year.

Mark Ochieng has been promoted while Ersan Gülüm is ruled out through suspension.

Adelaide United squad: 1.Daniel MARGUSH (gk), 2.Michael MARRONE, 5.Taylor REGAN, 7.Ryan KITTO, 8.ISAÍAS (C), 11.Johan ABSALONSEN, 12.Mark OCHIENG, 14.George BLACKWOOD, 16.Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS, 17.Nikola MILEUSNIC, 19.Ben GARUCCIO, 20.Paul IZZO (gk), 21.Tarek ELRICH, 23.Jordan ELSEY, 24.Jordan O’DOHERTY, 29.Ryan STRAIN, 37.Daniel ADLUNG, 77.Džengis ČAVUŠEVIĆ

**two to be omitted**



Ins: 12.Mark OCHIENG (promoted), 11.Johan ABSALONSEN (returns from injury), 21.Tarek ELRICH (returns from injury)

Outs: 22.Ersan GÜLÜM (suspended - 1 week)

Unavailable: 6.Vince LIA (knee), 9.Baba DIAWARA (quad)

Adelaide United will face Melbourne Victory in Round 21 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 24 February at AAMI Park. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.