Wellington Phoenix’s hopes to avoid the Hyundai A-League wooden spoon have been dealt a blow with goalkeeper Tando Velaphi’s season over due to an ankle injury.
The 30-year-old, who joined the Phoenix last month, suffered the injury in last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle Jets in what was just his fourth game for the club.
“It happened in the first half and after some treatment at halftime I thought it might be okay but unfortunately it wasn’t,” Velaphi said.
“I had an MRI scan and what it showed means I will miss the rest of the season which is disappointing.”
PLAYER NEWS | #Nix Goalkeeper Tando Velaphi out for the rest of the season following an injury last weekend against @NewcastleJetsFC.
We wish Tando all the very best in his recovery and rehab!
Read more here 👉 https://t.co/LRc3q1m77X
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) March 23, 2018
Velaphi, who has made 126 Hyundai A-League appearances in stints for Perth Glory, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, is keen to stay with the Phoenix.
“I am enjoying it here and once I’ve seen the specialist, I intend to do my rehab in Wellington,” he said.
“At least I will have the pre-season to get myself into good condition and you could say that is a good scenario in a bad situation.
“It will be up to me to work hard, be positive and put my mind to it.”
Wellington are currently on the bottom of the Hyundai A-League, three points behind ninth-placed Central Coast Mariners ahead of Sunday’s clash with Brisbane Roar at Westpac Stadium.
Wellington Phoenix v Brisbane Roar
WHEN: Sunday, March 25 – kick-off at 5pm AEDT
WHERE: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
HOW TO WATCH: LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on Fox Sports 501
