Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that Argentine playmaker Marcos Flores has been ruled out for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 season.
Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that Argentine playmaker Marcos Flores has been ruled out for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 season.
Flores injured his right knee late in training on Thursday, and subsequently underwent an MRI scan today to uncover the extent of the damage.
Unfortunately, the MRI scan confirmed the initial diagnosis made by the Club-s medical team – that the Reconquista-born midfielder had sustained a rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The former Newell-s Old Boys and Adelaide United ace will see a specialist next week, and it is believed he will require surgery soon to reconstruct the ligament.
Today the 28-year-old could not hide his disappointment in being ruled out for the season, but said he has the passion and resolve necessary to return to the pitch better than ever.
“It is my desire to improve every day, and for two hours each day I fight in training to be better,” said Flores. “Yesterday was the day that, unfortunately, the injury had to happen to me. I will remain strong and hope to come back one day to Bluetongue better.”
“I trust in the medical team and trust that the Mariners as a family will look after me. Today I am in a little bit of pain, but I feel the support from everyone and I thank the fans for their support because they have been very kind to me.”
“My wish for the team is to keep focussed. We are in the fight to keep the trophy on the Coast and I believe in my teammates,” he said.
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach, Phil Moss, said: “It is a bitter blow for Marcos and for the Club. Over the coming months we will do whatever we can to help Marcos in his recovery and return to the game.”
“Despite the loss of Marcos for this season we will continue to show that we are made of tough stuff here at the Mariners. We have the quality and the mental strength to continue moving in the right direction.”
“We-re fully focussed on our first goal of making the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Finals Series,” he said.
Flores joined the Mariners in July 2013, and played in all 12 of the Club-s Hyundai A-League matches this season up until his injury. He scored three goals, made one assist, and completed just shy of 77 per cent of his 461 passes attempted in the opening third of season nine of Australia-s top flight.
