REHABILITATING stars Tom Lynch and Brandon Matera commenced their lengthy road to recovery this morning after return from a short break.

GC SUNS Head of Fitness Paul Haines said both players were in high spirits.

“Both guys have recently come back to the Gold Coast after visiting home, with Brandon seeing family in Perth while Tom has been back in Victoria,” Haines told goldcoastfc.com.au in this week’s 2XU Recovery Update.

“They have been following their Rehab programs back at home, and have been active for the last week and a half but today is the first time they have been back at the club.

“They’re both recovering really well and are where we expected them to be on arrival.”

22-year-old Lynch, who is set to spend an extended period on the sidelines after injuring his PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), is expected to gradually increase his work rate over time as the 199cm key forward eyes a return to the goalsquare.

“Tom will ease back gradually as we have to let the knee heal naturally,” said Haines.

“We want to strengthen the knee and do as much balance work over the next month to minimise the risk of injury.

“The High Performance team will monitor his progress over the next couple of weeks to ensure he is strong and ready to fire when he is back playing.”

Haines said the same conservative approach would be taken with Matera.

“Obviously Brandon has a different injury but the same basic rules will apply,” Haines said.

“We’ll look to get him back strong and generally fit, so that when he is back running we can minimise the risk of minor injury as well.”

Matera has played 39 career games for the Gold Coast SUNS, and is expected to be available for the start of the club’s fourth pre-season training camp.