Ikpeazu has gone under the knife three times and is yet to play a minute of football in Perth.
But his latest comeback bid is on and the 30-year-old has refused to write off the season.
Valakari said: “Uche said that he will play this season. He knows his body and it would be brilliant if he was right.
“He's pushing and pushing. Let's see. The last exploratory operation gave him the all-clear. Every-thing is right with the knee, structure-wise.
“He wants to be back as quickly as possible.
“We also want him to be back as qui...