Football
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Melbourne City's Corey Gameiro vows to return from ACL injury

Luckless Melbourne City winger Corey Gameiro has vowed to return from a third ACL rupture that will cost him the chance to play in the 2016-17 A-League season.

After completing the long comeback from a second injury to his left knee, Gameiro collapsed at training with City in Townsville this week after suffering the same issue with his right knee.

It's a hammer blow to the 23-year-old, who has played just 10 matches in the past two seasons in between the debilitating setbacks.

Gameiro said he was heartened by the flood of well-wishers who had reached out on social media.

"It's tough times for myself and the family [at the moment], but I will get through this!" he said on Twitter.

"Thanks everyone for the kind messages, it's overwhelming. I know I'm going to come through this stronger." City are yet to see a return from the pacey winger, whose last goal came for Sydney FC in October 2014 in a 3-2 derby win.

While his absence is a major blow for John van 't Schip's hopes of bringing City a maiden A-League title, the Dutchman has strength in wide attackers on his books.

Nick Fitzgerald and new signing Bruce Kamau have shown their quality in previous title-winning sides, while teenager Steve Kuzmanovski is a future talent.

City have also been linked with Argentine winger Nicolas Colazo, who will command a marquee position should he move from Buenos Aires giants Boca Juniors.

Despite the club yet to confirm a move, Colazo's partner this week said on her Twitter account that the pair were "going to live in Australia."

Cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory are also in the hunt for a big name before the new season kicks off on Oct. 7, confirming an interest in English Premier League winner Michael Essien.

Former Socceroo Josh Kennedy said if Victory could sign the 33-year-old midfielder, it would be "massive."

"He's played 60-odd games for Ghana; he's had a stint at Real Madrid and a great couple of years at Chelsea when they won everything," he told EON Sports Radio. "He could be one of the best players we've seen in the A-League."

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