Wellington Phoenix star Hideki Ishige will miss the remainder of the Isuzu UTE A-League season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The Phoenix’s worst fears have been confirmed after the Japanese midfielder injured his knee during last week’s 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners.
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It is a major blow for Wellington after the 31-year-old had featured in all 29 Isuzu UTE A-League matches since joining the Phoenix last year and led the team with eight assists in his maiden season, while also scoring two stunning goals.
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“I’m actually gutted for Hideki,” Wellington head coach Giancarlo Italiano told reporters ahead of Saturday’s New Zealand Derby against Auckland FC.
“In terms of numbers last season, he [produced] the highest assists of any 10 that we’ve ever had at the club.
“He found it a little bit difficult last season to adapt initially, but there was a lot of value in him as a player.
“He’s a great person as well and I’m just gutted for him, and the group are gutted for him as well.”
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