Reds coach Michael Valkanis holds hope for virus-hit Jeronimo Neumann Adelaide United's Jeronimo Neumann shoots for goal. JERONIMO Neumann missed the flight to Wellington yesterday after falling ill with a stomach bug but interim coach Mike Valkanis hopes the Argentinian will be in New Zealand tonight. The Adelaide United forward was told by medicos to remain in Adelaide while 15 of his team-mates arrived in Wellington last night preparing for tomorrow's clash against the Wellington Phoenix. Valkanis told The Advertiser he will wait to see if Neumann can overcome the virus in time before facing a crucial clash in which Phoenix - despite being last, six places behind Adelaide - has been listed as favourite by bookmakers. But the Argentinian may start from the bench, given Adelaide will have its final training session before his arrival in Wellington. "I'm hoping Jeronimo will be okay," Valkanis said But how they come away with odds has probably got to do with form away from home. Wellington is going to be a hard game because they've lost quite a few of their last few games and they're looking at trying to make finals. This may be a last-ditch attempt because, mathematically, they can (play finals) so they've got a lot to play for and so have we. With Neumann in doubt, Valkanis can give impressive striker Tomi Juric his starting debut in attack. And Cassio should return to left-back after serving a one-match ban. Juric, 21, claimed an A-League record last weekend when he scored the fastest A-League goal on debut, taking just two minutes to find the back of the net. Juric beat former Reds striker Shengqing Qu's previous four-minute record when the Chinese international scored on debut for Adelaide against Perth Glory in 2005. Brisbane Roar's James Meyer equalled Qu's record in 2011. With Juric available to step up, Valkanis has demanded the Reds perform like they did for the last 12 minutes of the 2-1 loss to Sydney FC, rather than the ordinary start which gave the Sky Blues impetus for victory. "We'll have a good chat before the game in terms of plans, plan A and plan B," Valkanis said. That's our job off the bench and before the game so that things go according to plan. Valkanis believes Wellington will not give up without a fight, as All Whites international Jeremy Brockie returns from suspension. But Adelaide may have its hands full if it underestimates the power of young Australian striker Corey Gameiro. On loan from English Premier League club Fulham, Gameiro, 20, was impressive on debut despite being on a losing side (2-0) against the Roar last weekend. Gameiro scored all six goals for Young Socceroos at the 2012 U-19 AFC Championships to ensure the Australians qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.