Wellington Phoenix are hoping new captain Annalie Longo can be match to play in spherical three, dispelling fears her newest damage setback is long-term.
Longo, 32, a Soccer Ferns icon who has performed at 5 World Cups, was named Phoenix skipper for the upcoming marketing campaign final month.
Nevertheless, she suffered a hip damage earlier than the round-one loss to Melbourne Metropolis and can now miss the second-round journey to Western Sydney as properly.
“With the worldwide break developing we simply thought it is best that we give her an additional week (off),” assistant coach Callum Holmes mentioned.
“We’re hoping (for her) to be again for spherical three.”
It’s the second time Longo has signed for the Phoenix just for damage to rain on her parade.
In 2022, she suffered an ACL damage on worldwide obligation and did not kick a ball for the Nix, although she was in a position to rehabilitate simply in time for the Ladies’s World Cup.
“It is powerful for everybody … she’s the primary one that claims it has been 13-14 months that she’s been making an attempt to get on the sector for this staff,” Holmes mentioned, downplaying fears of a critical damage.
“She got here again from the ACL in a short time and that simply led to a few issues that simply flared up.
“One of the best ways to clarify it’s she’s acquired some weaknesses in sure muscle groups as a result of they’re compensating for her knee by way of her restoration. So it is simply managing these issues.”
Younger gun Manaia Elliott has additionally been cleared to play after a half-time substitution within the 1-0 loss to Metropolis.
Towards Western Sydney, the Nix will meet up with prime Kiwi prospect Milly Clegg, who signed for the Wanderers within the low season.
However Clegg will miss the match as she’s not eligible to play till she turns 18 subsequent month.
After two wood spoons of their first two seasons, Holmes mentioned he was driving the staff for an early factors return in Parramatta.
“We began the final season with six losses in a row. We want to ensure we begin that profitable behavior,” he mentioned
