The Newcastle Jets’ gutsy win over competition leaders, Sydney FC in Round 22 of the Hyundai A-League has come at a cost, with Nigel Boogaard suffering a knee injury.
The club can confirm that their skipper has suffered a fractured tibia and a torn calf, after falling awkwardly when contesting for the ball late in the match on Saturday.
Boogaard hyperextended his left knee and was in serious discomfort as play was stopped in the 80th minute.
Despite the now-known seriousness of the injury, the tough-as-nails defender refused a stretcher and walked from the field – giving Jets fans some hope of a speedy recovery.
Unfortunately, it would seem that Boogaard faces an uphill battle to feature again in his side’s 2017/18 Hyundai A-League campaign after seeing a specialist yesterday.
Jets’ Physiotherapist, Justin Dougherty said that Boogaard could be sidelined for more than two months, but the outcome could have been much worse.
“The impact of the way Nigel landed and the hyperextension of his knee has put the joint under serious strain,” said Dougherty.
“This has resulted in a compression fracture at the top of the tibia, with Nigel also tearing his calf.
“Following consultation with a specialist yesterday, we can confirm Nigel’s knee remains ligamentously stable which is the best case scenario in this instance.
“This will allow us to begin rehabilitation immediately, but Nigel will be looking at a recovery time from somewhere between 6 to 10 weeks – which will be dependant on a number of other factors.”
Jets’ boss, Ernie Merrick said he would give Boogaard every chance to make an unlikely return before season’s end.
“Nigel will be doing his upmost during the recovery and rehabilitation process,” said Merrick.
“He’s a tough character and an absolute professional when it comes to looking after his body, he’s not one to make a song and dance about it but Nigel goes through a great deal to get himself on the park, in top condition week-to-week.
“In saying that, he will be hard-pressed to get back to full fitness before finals which is disappointing for Nigel given the way he’s played all season.
“No doubt it’s a big loss for us, he’s a leader on and off the pitch but I believe we’ve got guys that can step in and do a job which we’ve seen right across the season.”
