Brisbane Roar has been dealt a massive blow with news that defender Andrew Packer will miss at least eight weeks with a groin injury.
Packer had scans on his right groin on Monday and they revealed that he had torn his adductor from the bone after he fell heavily in the early stages of last Saturday’s match against Gold Coast.
At worst, the Roar could be without the 29-year-old for three months.
Roar high performance manager Tony Ganter said the defender had successfully returned from a similar injury to his left groin earlier in his career.
“We have some confidence with Andrew that he can get back to playing within the minimum timeframe if all goes to plan,” Ganter said.
“Normally this type injury does not require surgery and we will usually leave it alone for 10 days and then start a formal rehabilitation program.”
Ganter said a final decision on surgery would be made during the week by club medical staff.
Meanwhile, the Roar and Gold Coast United have until close of business on Wednesday to respond to charges of team misconduct arising from Saturday night’s Hyundai A-League opener.
The charges relate to an 87th-minute melee during Gold Coast’s 3-1 win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Central Coast Mariners have all been charged by the FFA with team misconduct for having five or more of their players cautioned during their Round 1 matches.
