Perth Glory will be sweating on the fitness of Diego Castro this week after the star Spaniard copped a kick to his troublesome calf in the 2-1 A-League win over Melbourne City.
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Castro has battled calf issues at various times this season and is facing a race against time to be fit for Sunday's crucial clash with Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium.
Glory are four points and goal difference adrift of the sixth-placed Wanderers with just six rounds remaining.
A win on Sunday would give Perth's finals hopes a massive boost but a loss would all but end them.
Castro has been a key figure for the Glory this season despite his injury troubles.
The 35-year-old came off in the 80th minute against City after his calf started to stiffen following a knock.
Glory are hopeful Castro will be cleared to play against the Wanderers, and coach Kenny Lowe paid tribute to the star import's resilience.
"He's been carrying a little calf for five or six weeks," Lowe said.
"But he just wants to play, he just wants to play for the team.
"He's probably (been going at) 60 per cent (fitness), I would say.
"I think we just (need to) put him in a block of ice for three days, and then chip him out and roll him out on the training ground for the last two sessions."
Taggart made a successful return from a hamstring injury against City, scoring the winner with a header deep into stoppage time after coming off the bench in the 57th minute.
Lowe was impressed with what he saw and Taggart could be given more game time this weekend.
"I think he had four or five chances," Lowe said.
"And also Andy Keogh is dangerous when Taggs is on, because you can't handle all three.
"You can't look after Taggs, Keogh, and Castro. You just can't do it, because they're all predators.
"We've just got to try to keep them fit."
Glory will be boosted by the return of defender Shane Lowry from suspension.
Lowe said he isn't daring to dream of a finals finish just yet, despite the win against City.
"Not interested. I haven't got a Scooby Doo," he said.
"It's all bollocks isn't it. A season's a season.
"Give me a crystal ball, tell me the six numbers, and then you won't see me next week anyway.
"I'll have 20 million in the bank and I'll be on some beach."
Australian Associated Press
