Wellington Phoenix are likely to be without key defender Tim Payne for at least six weeks after the New Zealand international was withdrawn from their clash with Brisbane Roar due to injury.
The 31-year-old was substituted in the 17th minute of Wellington’s 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Sky Stadium on Sunday following a heavy collision.
Challenging shoulder-to-shoulder with young Roar forward Justin Vidic inside the box, Payne came off second best as he fell to the ground and landed awkwardly, sparking suggestions he dislocated his shoulder or worse, suffered a broken collarbone.
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Asked about the incident after seeing his side come from a goal down to defeat the Roar 2-1, Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano said the news wasn’t good when it came to Payne’s condition.
“I think he’s probably broken his collarbone. I don’t know the exact term, so don’t quote me, but I think best-case scenario, it’ll be six weeks.”
Immediately substituted in favour of young New Zealand international Xuan Loke, Payne was then pictured with his left arm in a sling as he walked down the tunnel.
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The injury will now have both Wellington boss Giancarlo Italiano and New Zealand All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley anxiously waiting to hear what the doctor’s prognosis is
Check out the incident below.
Whilst it’s undoutedbly a blow for the Italiano to lose a player of Payne’s calibre, the Phoenix boss was pleased with what he saw of Loke, the player now likely to deputise whilst Payne is sidelined.
“I have confidence (in him) he came on,” said Italiano, when asked what he made of the New Zealand U20 international’s performance.
“That is I think, confidence enough. You know, any player that comes on, Xuan did really well in pre-season.
“The one good thing I like about Xuan is that he doesn’t get phased. You know, he comes on, he’s got a great mindset. I know he’s been working on it.
He continued: “I don’t think he missed the beat. You know, when he came on, (it) probably took him about 5-10 minutes to adjust.
“He was good on the ball, and just needs to build his minutes in the league so he can get a little bit more comfortable and be a little bit more effective with the ball.
“But I thought from a defensive point, it was exceptional, too.”
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