The Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season has already claimed a few victims, most notably the ankle injury suffered by Newcastle’s marquee Ronald Vargas on Sunday evening.
Here’s an update on some key players sidelined with injury across the league.
TAYLOR REGAN (ADELAIDE UNITED)
The combative Reds defender left the field in his side’s opening match of the season against Wellington with an ankle knock.
Scans confirmed a syndesmosis injury to Regan’s left ankle that will see him out of action until Christmas.
ANDREW DURANTE (WELLINGTON PHOENIX)
Initial reports had the Wellington Phoenix skipper missing up to three months of action after a groin adductor tear in the loss to Sydney FC.
However, Durante has consulted a specialist and hopes are high that he might make his return far sooner than that.
Phoenix fans will be hoping that’s true, especially with fellow centre-back Marco Rossi also battling a niggly groin strain.
BRUNO FORNAROLI (MELBOURNE CITY)
The Melbourne City skipper and attacking talisman broke his ankle in the Westfield FFA Cup in August but is on track for a return in January.
With fellow South American Fernando Brandan also recovering well from his knee injury, top-of-the-table City may be even more formidable in the second half of the season.
RONALD VARGAS (NEWCASTLE JETS)
The exciting Venezuelan attacker suffered an horrific ankle injury during Sunday night’s 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp.
Vargas broke his ankle and dislocated it in a tackle with Roar midfielder Matt McKay and will be out for the season.
COREY BROWN (BRISBANE ROAR)
The Brisbane fullback left the field before half-time in his side’s loss to the Jets with what appeared to be a hamstring strain.
Brown is likely to sit out the visit to Wellington this weekend, with Thomas Kristensen also set to skip the long trip with his own hamstring injury which has prevented the Dane from featuring so far this Hyundai A-League season.
JAMES DONACHIE (MELBOURNE VICTORY)
The Victory centre-back was forced off with a serious quad problem in last week’s Melbourne Derby.
Scans confirmed Donachie tore the muscle off the bone and the 24-year-old was required to undergo an operation, with the injury set to sideline him until the new year.
