Berlanga, taken to hospital after the 3-0 win over Nadi, returned to Auckland City FC base camp on crutches later the same evening.
But coach Ramon Tribulietx says Berlanga was fortunate not to break a bone.
“The x-ray showed no bone break or damage to his ACL but the external ligament may be the problem,” Tribulietx says, “At the moment we will continue with the squad that we brought out with 19 players available.”
“Angel is a very important player for us but we have a good squad and there are a few alternatives to replace him,” he says.
Auckland City FC’s position in Group B looks solid after trouncing Nadi 3-0 but tomorrow’s match with AS Dragon re-opens old wounds as the Navy Blues take on a side they haven’t beaten in two previous encounters.
“I think the next two matches will be very tough. Both Dragon and Amicale are very competitive and anything can happen.
“For this next game once again nothing changes in terms of our preparation. We will prepare with the same ideas and will try to understand the important keys for us in this game.
“Dragon beat us last year with a very similar team and we will have to be very intense throughout the 90 minutes,” Tribulietx says.
Despite that impressive record with Auckland City FC, AS Dragon side was left reeling after losing its opening match 1-0 to Amicale but a quick scan of their squad reveals extensive experience of FIFA world events and the OFC Champions League.
Tribulietx says Auckland City FC must be wary of their Tahitian opponents when they meet at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Friday.
“I think Dragon’s strength is actually their team unit. It is a very solid team in and out of possession. They have competitive players in every line, all of them technically good, and they have very fast players in their front line.
“Alvin, Jonathan and Teaonui Tehau are all good and Steevy Chong Hue, who was not there on Tuesday, is another.
“They have a good goalkeeper in Mikael Roche and two good centre halves in Tamatoa Wagemann and Nicolas Vallar. Overall, Dragon is a very competitive side, and very well coached.
“I think you can see they’re structurally pretty good in all moments of the game,” Tribulietx says.
Apart from Berlanga, Auckland City FC’s only other injury concern is Alex Feneridis who rolled his ankle at training and may be out for seven to ten days.
Auckland City FC’s match with AS Dragon takes place at Churchill Park, Lautoka, this afternoon Friday 11 April, at 1pm local time.

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