Mullen's return spells end for Iain Fyfe
Iain Fyfe's A-League comeback could be over already as Newcastle defender Daniel Mullen prepares to make his return from injury this weekend.
Mullen, skipper Nigel Boogaard and winger Andrew Nabbout all trained with the Jets on Wednesday and are expected to be included in the squad for Saturday's away clash with Perth Glory.
If Mullen is fit to play, that would make Fyfe is ineligible and likely spell the end of his professional career.
The 34-year-old defender joined the Jets on an injury waiver contract three weeks ago to replace Mullen, who hasn't featured since hurting his knee in the A-League's opening round.
Fyfe, who had been playing in the South Australian NPL, has made three appearances for Newcastle, providing much-needed voice and experience at the back in the absence of their usual leaders.
Nabbout, meanwhile, is certain to face Perth after recovering from the ankle injury that has kept him out for the past two weeks, but Boogaard - who has missed the last month with a knee problem - is considered a much longer shot.
"It's been difficult because the players we've had out have been key players for us," Nabbout said on Wednesday.
"But the boys have dug deep and done well to make do with the players we have available.
"It's good this week we get a couple boys back, that's exactly the boost we need to go to Perth and try and get a result."
To do so, they'll need to shatter the A-League's biggest hoodoo.
The Jets, who haven't won since their second-round shock win over Brisbane Roar, have not tasted victory at nib Stadium for 11 years.
Their last triumph in Perth was in the A-League's inaugural season, when a Vaughan Coveny goal handed them a 1-0 win.
They've subsequently lost their past 10 matches in the west, and have also lost their last nine in a row at any venue against the Glory.
Jets utility Ben Kantarovski, whose record 153rd club appearance on the weekend was soured by the recurrence of a knee injury, saw a specialist on Wednesday and is not expected to play.
