Ernie Merrick fears Wes Hoolahan will be out of action for up to three months after suffering a syndesmosis in Newcastle Jets’ FFA Cup defeat to Adelaide United.
The 37-year-old former Ireland international and Norwich City star had to be helped from the field after a clash with Adelaide’s Ryan Kitto in Tuesday evening’s 1-0 Quarter Final loss at Coopers Stadium.
“He was kicked from behind and twisted his ankle forward, and then got a free-kick against him,” Merrick said.
“[It looks like] syndesmosis. He was really kicked hard, his foot got lodged… we haven’t scanned and confirmed the extent of the injury, but the two previous and similar injuries I’ve seen have been a minimum 12-14 weeks.”
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If Merrick’s initial prognosis is correct, Hoolahan – who signed for the Jets in August – will miss a sizeable chunk of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
The playmaker is set to undergo scans on Thursday morning to assess the extent of the injury.
Newcastle were given a mountain to climb in Tuesday’s final eight showdown following the early dismissal of goalkeepe Lewis Italiano.
Merrick’s side dug their heels in bravely with 10 players, but were unable to snatch an equaliser that would’ve put the Jets into the Semi Finals for the first time.
“I’m not so much disappointed by the loss as I am by the injury to Wes Hoolahan. It’s very disappointing.”
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