Gold Coast United youngster and Young Socceroo, James Brown, faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines after the midfielder injured his leg at training Tuesday morning.
The 19-year-old went down awkwardly during a warm-up drill and was quickly ferried to hospital for x-rays, where it was revealed he had fractured his right fibula.
Club physiotherapist, David Battersby, said the non-contact injury made “an audible crack” noise, but will not require surgery.
“In terms of bone fractures it is the best case scenario given that there is no surgery required. He will have to wear a protective ‘boot’ and keep weight off the leg for at least a fortnight, but we expect a full recovery,” he said.
“With this type of injury we would anticipate that he be back in full training in around eight weeks.”
The injury blow means Brown will miss the hotly anticipated clash with English Premier League side Fulham at Skilled Park on July 8th, but should be close to full fitness in time for the start of the A-League season.
Head Coach Miron Bleiberg said the injury was only a “minor setback” for one of his most promising players.
“It is obviously very upsetting and frustrating for James that he will miss the game against Fulham, but he has his whole career in front of him and he will be back both better and stronger,” he said.
“He can set a target of the start of the A-League season for his comeback and he will play in plenty of games this season.”
