Injury Update: Goulding return date set

Melbourne United has pencilled in a huge clash against Tasmania on December 23 as the return date for star man Chris Goulding. 

In some of the best shooting form of his career, before succumbing to a calf injury, Goulding will miss vital games against Illawarra and South East Melbourne, but looks set to be back for the Championship Series rematch.

“I think it was always the open-air game was that one that we’d targeted,” Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said on Sunday. 

“As far as I understand, he’s on track for that.”

Goulding has averaged six three-pointers a game across his last four NBL appearances, and dominated the Australian Boomers’ recent FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying games. 

He scored a massive 46 points against Perth on November 9. 

The news is a little better for United’s cross-town rivals, with Phoenix guard Derrick Walton Jr. likely to be available to take on Brisbane on Thursday night.

“Friday morning he had flu-like symptoms, so hopefully he’s going to feel better and it’s a light flu, not a strong flu,” coach Josh King said post-game. 

South East Melbourne and Melbourne face off in the Throwdown this Sunday, live on ESPN, 10 and 10 Play.