Brisbane Roar's Reinaldo is almost ready for action after enduring a tough run with injuries. The Brazilian striker is determined to put a year of heartache behind him and make a positive start to the new campaign, with an appearance against Gold Coast United next weekend.
The Brisbane Roar hitman returned to the training pitch a week ago an ankle injury which had him fearing yet another year on the sidelines.
"At first I was thinking that it was very bad," the 25-year-old said.
"I thought my season was over already and I was very sad, but when the physio did the examination he found it wasn't too bad. Now I'm back to training again and I'm very happy to be with the team.
"I'm still training with a little bit of pain, but I need to train to be fit for when it gets better."
Although he rates himself another four to five weeks away from full fitness, Reinaldo said he was hopeful of a cameo in the league opener at Suncorp Stadium on August 8.
"It would be very good for me to play this game, because I've been out for a year and this is the most important game in the league for us now, the derby against the Gold Coast."
To help himself get there, the big Brazilian has been doing extra work outside of the Ballymore sessions.
"At home I'm doing ball work and cycling on my bike," he said. "I do 35 kilometres, once or twice a week.
"I'm doing everything I can to get back as quickly as I can. I miss playing and I want to help the team as well, that's the most important thing."
And the club's all-time top goalscorer - 15 goals in 56 appearances - said he had a lot to prove to the fans, having struggled to make an impact since his return from South Korea a year ago.
"This season the fans can see a different Reinaldo - fully fit and hungry to play," he said.
"Last season I was struggling to run, struggling to defend. It's not my game. I want to run a lot, I want to score goals and I want to do everything to help my team win."
"I'm very excited now. I'll do anything to play because this season is the most important season for us I think."
Brisbane Roar's league opener against Gold Coast United kicks off at 7.30pm on Saturday, August 8 at Suncorp Stadium.
