Brisbane Roar forward Mariel Hecher will miss the rest of the Liberty A-League season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during her side’s win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.
Hecher was a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win, but was withdrawn deep into stoppage time after going to ground chasing a long ball.
The 30-year-old will undergo surgery on Wednesday. It’s the second time the Brazilian has suffered the injury (once in 2011).
“I knew straight away when I went on the ground that it was it,” Hecher said in a club statement.
“I was pretty upset but everyone has been amazing and very supportive which does help you to get in good spirits.
“I know they’re going to be wearing the jersey for me even more now that I won’t be playing and they’re supporting me in every single way, I’m so lucky to have them.”
“You know it’s a long run,” Hecher added.
“You got to be patient, and for me, that’s hard because I’m a little bit impatient but I know I have a lot of people supporting me and around me so it’s been pretty good knowing that.
“It helps you mentally to keep going, the girls have been amazing, the staff have been amazing and I can only praise them.
“It’s just one of those things, it’s just time.
“It’s a mind game, you try to keep yourself positive as much as you can, there will be days that will be hard but you see the bigger picture that you want to come back stronger, you want to come back and help the team,” she said.
“I feel like I’m letting the team down this year but all I can do now is be there for the girls for the rest of the season to support them in the way that I can.”
