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AAP
Sport
Anna Harrington

City regain Wilkinson, lose Rojas in ALW

Hannah Wilkinson is set to play her first game of the ALW season for Melbourne City against Perth. (Darren Pateman/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Melbourne City will regain gun striker Hannah Wilkinson against Perth Glory but the New Zealand international's return has forced the departure of in-form forward Maria Jose Rojas.

Wilkinson missed the first five A-League Women rounds with a quad injury and Chile international Rojas was signed as an injury replacement player.

Rojas starred with four goals and two assists in five games but now has to depart as Wilkinson is fit.

She will link up with Chile's national team for a January training camp ahead of their Women's World Cup qualifying play-offs in New Zealand in February.

Rojas will return in mid-February to fill an international spot with City when winger Emina Ekic's loan ends.

Wilkinson, who recorded 14 goals and two assists in a brilliant 2021-22 season is a welcome inclusion for Tuesday's match against Glory at AAMI Park.

"We'll take into consideration today's session. Wilkinson more than likely will play tomorrow night," coach Dario Vidosic told reporters.

"And then with (captain Emma) Checker, we'll see, because she was sick for quite a while. She's missed a lot of training in that time."

Fringe Matildas defender Karly Roestbakken has also been named in the squad and could play her first minutes for City after a lingering foot injury.

City play Glory just four days after beating Canberra 4-0 and Vidosic flagged several changes to keep his players ticking over.

He also planned to take a measured approach to 16-year-old talent Daniela Galic, who scored her first goal against Canberra and has shone in attacking midfield.

"She's very talented," Vidosic said.

"Sometimes, I forget she's 16. I demand a lot from her but that's what I want, to prepare her for bigger and better things.

"Because everyone sees her talent and I think we know that her future will be overseas and hopefully at a high level.

"It's about looking after her, trying to teach her and letting her learn and play."

Perth are coming off their first win of the season but Vidosic was confident City could keep the Glory at bay.

"We won't change too much," Vidosic said.

"We want to be the dominant, imposing team. "

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