Wellington Phoenix midfielder Leo Bertos admitted he feared the worst when he was carried from the pitch during Sunday’s 3-1 win over Melbourne Heart.
Wellington Phoenix midfielder Leo Bertos admitted he feared the worst when he was carried from the pitch during Sunday’s 3-1 win over Melbourne Heart.
Bertos was caught by David Williams in a legitimate challenge and stretchered off in the 76th minute fearing he had broken his ankle.
“I thought I was in a bit of trouble,” the 30-year-old said before the team departed for Adelaide.
“I’ve broken that ankle before when I was a lot younger and it felt similar. Instantly I had no feeling. I couldn’t really move it. I couldn’t wiggle my toes.”
Luckily for the New Zealand international the feeling in his foot returned not long after he left the pitch and he was able to bear weight on it too.
An X-ray came back clear and although the ankle is still sore Bertos is confident he will be fit to play in Friday night’s match at Hindmarsh Stadium.
“It could have been worse and it’s alright. I should be fine for the game.”
That will be good news for coach Ricki Herbert, given Bertos’ return to good form against the Heart.
He set up Chris Greenacre’s goal and caused problems for the Heart defence every time he got on the ball.
“That was the frustrating part,” said Bertos of the injury. “I was enjoying the game and I didn’t want it to finish like that. But it could have been worse.”
The Phoenix are in unfamiliar territory having climbed to second following Sunday’s win but they have Brisbane Roar, Perth Glory, the Heart and Sydney FC all breathing down their neck.
“It can change in a week. If we don’t get a result then teams could jump us and we could be third or fourth again,” admitted the midfielder.
The pressure will also be on to continue collecting points on the road after back-to-back away wins against Gold Coast United and Newcastle Jets last month.
Adelaide’s loss to Perth Glory means they are winless in five games now and Friday’s match will be their fourth in 12 days. But Bertos remains wary all the same.
“The last time we played them away they were going through a rough patch as well and they beat us in that game,” he said.
“In this league anyone can beat anyone on the day. It’s just how you prepare and what frame of mind you are in on the day.”
“We have to make sure we just worry about ourselves and make sure that when we are out on that field we are ready to go.”
