Newcastle Jets custodian Mark Birighitti surprised teammates on Sunday morning when he arrived at their recovery session after having 30 stitches in a face wound during Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Sydney FC in Hyundai A-League Round 2.
On Saturday evening Birighitti had over 30 stitches placed in his chin and lips at hospital after a collision in the second half of the NSW derby at Hunter Stadium.
Fortunately the Jets keeper was cleared of fractures to his face.
The former Adelaide player had three teeth knocked out and several others damaged in the incident which led to him being taken off the ground, replaced by Ben Kennedy.
On Sunday morning, Birighitti was a surprise visitor and spoke with players and members of the coaching staff at The Forum pool as the squad undertook their recovery.
The gloveman visited club dentist Andrew Johnson on Sunday afternoon where work began. Johnson will reassess Birighitti today (Monday).
No timeline on Birighitti’s anticipated return to competitive football can yet be provided, say the club.
