Newcastle Jets striker Michael Bridges will be sidelined for three weeks after medical test confirmed a minor tear in his hamstring.
Bridges, who recently re-signed with the Newcastle club for a further two seasons, slumped to the ground in the 14th minute of the last week’s match against Adelaide United and had to be assisted from the field.
Medical tests this week confirmed a minor tear to his left hamstring meaning the in-form striker will be out of action for two to three weeks.
The news may force Jets head coach Branko Culina, who has started recent games with an attacking formation of 3-4-3 into playing the more traditional 4-4-2 set-up with dynamic young forward Sean Rooney up front alongside Labinot Haliti for this Sunday’s clash with Gold Coast United.
There is also the option of recalling veteran striker Sasho Petrvoski into the starting line-up if Culina decides he wants to maintain the attacking 3-4-3 formation.
Bridges injury looks like the only forced change to the starting squad for this weekend’s clash. Midfielder Jobe Wheelhouse sat out training earlier this week with a foot injury but he is expected to be fit for selection.
The other dilemma facing Culina is choosing between Neil Young and Ben Kennedy for the goalkeeping duties. Kennedy has fully recovered from a groin injury he sustained in the warm-up before Newcastle’s Round 14 match against the North Queensland Fury a month ago.
However, 30-year-old Young has been in fine form with the gloves for Newcastle conceding just two goals in four matches and working well as custodian as the Jets enjoy their most consistent run of form all season that has seen them move back into the top six.
Both keepers will push their claims for the role in Friday’s selection trial although Culina is not expected to name his final starting squad until just before Sunday’s clash.
