Joyce hopeful on City youngster’s injury

Melbourne City’s emphatic 5-0 win over Adelaide United on Sunday night was soured by a potentially serious ankle injury to youngster Nathaniel Atkinson. 

The fullback was stretchered off in the 75th minute after landing awkwardly on his leg following a corner. 

Early reports suggested Atkinson may have suffered a fracture but City boss Warren Joyce is hopeful the injury isn’t as bad as first feared. 

Nathaniel Atkinson

“We don’t think it’s a break, that’s the latest report from the hospital but obviously we’ll have to wait until we hear it for sure,” Joyce said post-match. 

“It’s good news that it’s not that [a break], but it could be ligaments, it could be anything.”

Teammate Dario Vidosic also offered words of support for the talented youngster. 

“It’s a bit of a sour note with Nathaniel,” he told Fox Sports.

“Our prayers are with him and we hope he’s alright and it’s nothing serious.

“He was in a bit of pain so I”ll give all of this away and the goals. I’ll still take a 1-0 win and I hope Nathaniel will be with us this week.”