There was mixed news today for injured Newcastle Jets players Jason Hoffman, Joel Griffiths, Adam Griffiths, and Jesper Hakansson. All four were taken from the field in last Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.
There was mixed news today for injured Newcastle Jets players Jason Hoffman, Joel Griffiths, Adam Griffiths, and Jesper Hakansson. All four were taken from the field in last Saturday-s 2-0 loss to Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Hoffman today unfortunately received the worst diagnosis of the four, with scans revealing a confirmed tear of his anterior cruciate ligament which will require a season-ending knee reconstruction. The youngster was yesterday named in the Australian squad to play in the ASEAN Football Federation Under-19 Youth Championships to be held in Thailand later this month, but will miss this tournament along with the AFC Under-19 Youth Championships later this year, and the remainder of the 2008/09 Hyundai A-League season.
Striker Joel Griffiths had to be replaced in the first half of his 50th Hyundai A-League appearance on Saturday, succumbing to a hamstring injury. It was confirmed today that Joel has a partial tear of his hamstring, and the star front-man is likely to miss up to 4 weeks of action.
Meanwhile, his twin brother Adam Griffiths was diagnosed with a hamstring strain, meaning the big defender is likely to only miss the game against Wellington Phoenix on Monday, 6 October.
There is still hope for Hakansson though, whose corked thigh may heal in time for the Round 7 fixture against Wellington next Monday. The Dane will undergo a fitness test later this week to ascertain his availability.
Jets CEO John Tsatsimas wished the injured players a speedy recovery and believes the team that is put out by the Newcastle Jets next Monday against Wellington will be a quality one.
“Obviously we hope that all the players who are suffering with injury at the moment come through their recovery as quickly as possible.”
“I-d also like to send all the best on behalf of the club to young Jason Hoffman whose season now unfortunately appears to be over. We-re certain that he-ll bounce back bigger and better than ever next season.”
“It is unfortunate that we have been hit with a few injuries all at the same time but the spirit that Novocastrians are famous for will no doubt be on show again this weekend when the boys take on Wellington. I have no doubt that the players who take the park will do the club proud,” Mr. Tsatsimas said.
Tickets for this weekend-s game are available from www.proticket.com.au, or by calling (02) 4915 2345.
