Newcastle Jets’ premiership hopes have suffered a cruel blow with striker Roy O’Donovan facing three months on the sideline after reinjurying his groin.
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The Irishman, who missed three games with a minor tear, re-tore the muscle in the come-from-behind 2-1 win over Perth Glory on Saturday.
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The injury happened in the 80th minute when the front-man collided heavily with Glory custodian, Liam Reddy as O’Donovan tried to meet a Ivan Vujica cross.
Scans Monday confirmed a grade-three tear.
O’Donovan is the league’s leading goal-scorer with seven and was involved in both of the Jets’ goals against Perth.
Coach Ernie Merrick was disappointed at the loss of his leading attacker, but said the injury was an unavoidable one.
“First and foremost, I’m disappointed for Roy,” Merrick said. “Roy had worked extremely hard to get himself right and our physio, specialist and myself were comfortable with him taking part in the game. “We were actually taking a cautious approach by having Roy return via the bench – but there was nothing we could do to avoid this one. Impact injuries like these are part and parcel of football, and unfortunately it seems like we’re having more than our fair share at the moment.”
O’Donovan will begin rehabilitation under the guidance of Jets physiotherapist Justin Dougherty and in consultation with groin specialist, Dr Neil Halpin.
“Dr Halpin is well recognised in dealing with these sort of injuries, so Roy is in excellent hands,” Merrick said. “He has confirmed that his previous injury had healed well, but this latest one – while on the same side of the body – is in a completely unrelated area. At this stage, we won’t get drawn into any timelines for recovery but we’ll monitor Roy’s progress closely and hopefully we can see him back for the final rounds of the regular season.”