Newcastle Jets will be without midfielders Alex Badolato and Christian Bracco for the remainder of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE campaign after both suffered season-ending knee injuries.
Both Badolato and Bracco ruptured the anterior cruciate ligaments in their right and left knees respectively during the Jets’ thrilling 3-1 win over Auckland FC last weekend.
Badolato has been a key component of the Isuzu UTE A-League’s best attacking side since joining Mark Milligan’s men in the off-season but will now be sidelined for a prolonged period of time.
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The 20-year-old fell awkwardly whilst challenging for the ball inside the Auckland box in just the third minute and was immediately substituted.
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Joining Badolato in his recovery will be Bracco who, having been brought on as a substitute in the 86th minute at Go Media Stadium, suffered his knee injury just six minutes later whilst also challenging for the ball.
Having travelled back from New Zealand, scans have now confirmed that both Badolato and Bracco have both ruptured their ACL’s.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the Newcastle Jets announced the news and confirmed both players will now see a specialist later this week to begin the next steps of their recovery.
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The news will come as a hammer blow to Jets boss Milligan, who’s side currently occupy sixth spot in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Fresh from their second away win over league-leaders Auckland FC this season, Milligan may well now be forced into the mid-season transfer market in a bid to fill the holes left by his injured duo.
Next up for the Jets is an away clash against reigning Isuzu UTE A-League Champions Melbourne City on Sunday, January 11.
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