Newcastle’s Danish import Jesper Hakansson has been left out of the Jets line-up for Friday night’s Hyundai A-League clash with Queensland Roar after receiving a head knock at training.
Hakansson was knocked unconscious in a training mishap on Wednesday afternoon and although the 26-year-old trained with the team on Thursday morning medical staff decided not to risk the Dane in Friday night’s match.
“He was hit in the head by a ball he wasn’t expecting,” said Jets assistant/youth team coach Craig Deans.
“My understanding of it was he was knocked unconscious for a few moments but recovered OK.”
“He trained with the team this morning but the prognosis is he has suffered mild concussion and in those circumstances it is better not to take the risk, so it is decided we should rest him from Friday night’s game.”
Former Melbourne Victory player Kaz Patafta and journeyman Noel Spencer have been included in Newcastle’s interim 16-man squad which will travel to Brisbane on Thursday afternoon for Friday night’s match at Suncorp Stadium.
Daniel Piorkowski, who had three stitches inserted in his mouth after collecting the elbow of John Aloisi in last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Sydney has been named in the squad as has Adam D’Apuzzo, who was suspended for last week’s match but 16-year-old midfielder Ben Kantarovski has been left out of the squad due to a niggling knee injury.
“Ben has been trying to work through a slight knee strain and with him jetting off with the Joeys next week we decided not to risk him for this game,” said Deans.
“Those are the type of injuries that can get worse if you don’t give them enough rest.”
Jade North, who came on as a substitute in last week’s match against Sydney due to his commitment with the Socceroos, will take over the captain’s armband from Adam Griffiths.
