Vanuatu international defender Brian Kaltak could soon return to training with Perth Glory after missing the opening three matches of the 2026/27 A-League Men season due to a knee injury. The 32-year-old centre-back has been unavailable since the beginning of the campaign, but the latest update from head coach Adam Griffiths suggests that his recovery is progressing.
Kaltak was ruled out of Perth’s opening fixture against Macarthur FC on 17 October and subsequently missed the matches against Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United. His absence comes after an impressive first season with the Western Australian club, during which he established himself as one of the team’s most important defenders and received the 2025/26 Most Glorious Player Award, Perth Glory’s main individual honour.
Speaking ahead of the 1 November encounter with Adelaide United, Griffiths confirmed that Kaltak and fellow defender Trent Ostler were on track to resume training during the following week. The Vanuatu international’s anticipated return would provide Perth with an important defensive reinforcement as the club looks to build momentum in the early stages of the season.
Despite losing their opening two fixtures by identical 2-1 scorelines against Macarthur and Brisbane Roar, Perth recovered with an impressive 4-0 victory over Adelaide United at HBF Park. Goals from Jaiden Kucharski, Tadi Kuzamba, Stefan Colakovski and Matt Ellis secured the team’s first three points of the campaign, although Kaltak remained unavailable for selection.
The experienced defender joined Perth Glory from Central Coast Mariners in July 2025, having previously enjoyed considerable success with the Gosford-based club. During his time with the Mariners, Kaltak won two A-League Championships and played an important role in their historic 2024 treble, which included the AFC Cup title. His performances also earned him consecutive selections in the PFA A-League Team of the Season in 2023 and 2024.
Kaltak’s absence has also attracted attention among football followers in Vanuatu, where he remains one of the country’s most prominent players competing professionally overseas. His achievements in Australian football have made him an important reference for emerging Vanuatu footballers seeking opportunities at a higher level.
Perth Glory are scheduled to face Newcastle Jets on Saturday, 7 November, at HBF Park. Although Kaltak is expected to resume training around this period, the club has not yet confirmed when he will be available for competitive action. His recovery will remain an important development to follow as Perth prepare for their upcoming A-League fixtures.
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