Wellington Phoenix have confirmed on-loan midfielder Francisco ‘Chico’ Geraldes will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season after sustaining a knee injury.
Having only joined the club on loan in February, Geraldes’ season has come to an abrupt end after he sustained a meniscus injury in his left knee which now requires surgery.
Playing five games since joining on loan from Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, Geraldes registered a goal and an assist before having his season cut short.
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“It’s very disappointing because for a large part Chico’s given us a different dimension,” said Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano.
“We were starting to build a bit of continuity and were starting to look very dangerous moving forward.
“That’s not to say we can’t get the job done without Chico, but it does put a dent in our preparation.”
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Only signed on loan until the end of the current campaign, Italiano has already suggested he’s seen enough from the 29-year-old that would see the Nix look to extend the player’s stay at Wellington.
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“I think he’d be a great addition, not only to our team but the A-League in general,” said Italiano.
“You can see what kind of skill he has. He’s a great dribbler of the ball, he’s very composed on the ball, he’s not scared of taking players on and he can score.
“I’d love to have him next year. I think he’d be great. If we can make it happen, we’ll make it happen, but unfortunately it’s not straightforward.
He added: “There’s a lot of water to go under that bridge, but the intention is if I can make it happen I will make it happen.”
Sat eleventh on the league ladder, the Phoenix travel to Newcastle to face the Jets in Round 25 of the Isuzu UTE A-League looking to end a run of eight games without a win.
