The Newcastle Jets can confirm that Jason Hoffman will be sidelined with an ankle injury for the next 5 months, following a training mishap in the lead up to the Club’s AFC Champions League clash with Persija Jakarta.
The versatile Hoffman twisted his ankle at Ray Watt Oval on Sunday, which was initially hoped to be only a minor sprain.
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Upon further inspection and in consultation with a specialist in Sydney, it’s been revealed that Hoffman has dislocated a tendon in his ankle – a rare injury that will be best treated with surgery.
Hoffman is expected to go into surgery on Monday and will immediately begin work on his rehabilitation under the supervision of the Club’s medical team and Dr Neil Halpin.
Jets boss, Ernie Merrick was disappointed to lose the versatile defender-come-attacker for the remainder of the season.
“Jason has been great since I arrived at the Club, a capable and dependable player who has performed extremely well in the last two seasons.
“This is a huge blow for us, but I’m really just disappointed for him to be missing so much football,” Merrick said.
“It was a fairly innocuous sort of incident and we were hopeful it would only be something minor, unfortunately it was confirmed that Jason will be out for an extended period.
“I’ve spoken with Jason and he’s obviously disappointed with the news but he’s determined to return as quickly as possible.
“He’s an outstanding pro who will do everything required to return to full fitness.”
Joe Champness will now replace Hoffman in the Jets 18-man squad for their AFC Champions League Play Off with Kashima Antlers.
