Despite sticking to a strict rehabilitation regime, Sydney FC’s Heather Garriock looks set to sit on the sideline for the remainder of the Westfield W-League season after aggravating an injury to her hip.
An incident at training this week has further strained her troublesome hip and leg muscle, making it impossible for the crestfallen captain to continue playing at this stage.
“I-m really upset because there was always hope I was going to come back from the first injury but now I-d probably be dreaming,” said a disappointed Garriock.
The Sydney skipper was cleared to start last Saturday-s top-of-the-table clash with the Queensland Roar with instructions to only play one half, but she put in a determined effort and pushed on for a further thirty.
“Training was pain-free that week with rehab going to plan and I pulled up well after the game so I was happy,” she said.
But it was at the beginning of this week-s preparation for the upcoming game against Canberra that Garriock came to grief.
“We had a short and sharp session on Monday night and I only lasted twenty minutes.”
“It-s part and parcel of football but I don-t think I-m going to be able to come back for the remainder of the season,” Garriock explained.
Despite the poor prognosis the Sky Blues- midfielder remains hopeful of playing her part in taking the inaugural Westfield W-League championship, if Sydney can make the season decider.
“It-s important that I am 100% and I-m a Sydney girl at heart so there-s nothing I-d like more than to play a part in winning the Grand Final.”
Garriock believes her side is yet to show its best form on the playing field but has the talent needed to take the title.
“It-s going to be from the sideline, but I hope we can start playing to our potential and get back on track to playing as Sydney because the talent is there.”
Sydney will take the next step in its campaign when it travels to the nation-s capital to take on Canberra United this weekend.
The round-7 encounter kicks off at McKellar Park at 6pm this Saturday.
