Newcastle Jets boss Ernie Merrick revealed former Irish international Wes Hoolahan is ready to run once again, as the ‘Irish Messi’ ramps up his recovery from an ankle ligament injury sustained in September.
Hoolahan had surgery on his right ankle after sustaining the injury in Newcastle’s 1-0 FFA Cup 2019 Quarter Final loss to Adelaide United.
It’s been a frustrating wait for Hoolahan and Jets boss Merrick, who has managed a threadbare squad of late with a number of his high-profile stars spending extended spells on the sidelines.
The injuries have corresponded with a tough run of form for the Jets, who backed up two heavy defeats to Melbourne City and Perth Glory with a frustrating draw against Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.
But Merrick says Hoolahan – along with Panamanian international Abdiel Arroyo and club captain Nigel Boogaard – are all taking significant strides in their rehabilitation, as the Jets hope to regain their strength in depth in the coming weeks.
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“They’re all looking good,” Merrick told reporters on Monday morning.
“Wes Hoolahan is madly cycling and swimming.
“On Tuesday (he’ll be) really happy… because on Tuesday – which is the first Tuesday in January – he’s allowed to start running.
“He’ll be on the AlterG (anti-gravity) machine, he’s excited about that.”
Along with the positive prognosis on Hoolahan’s injury, Merrick provided updates on both Arroyo and Boogaard who could benefit his side on both ends of the ground once they return to action.
“Arroyo did six kilometres last training session,” Merrick said.
“He’s working really hard.
“Nigel’s coming along well, so the three of them (Hoolahan, Arroyo, Boogard) are all looking quite good, and Kaine (Sheppard) is getting up to match fitness now.”
The Jets will hope to build on a frustrating yet much-needed point earned against the Roar on the weekend when they travel to face Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
Round 13
Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets
Sunday, December 5
AAMI PARK
Kick-off 6:30pm AEDT
