Phoenix optimistic injured Ferns will return in time for historic A-League game

posted in: Football Ferns, News

Football Ferns Grace Wisnewski and Emma Rolston are injury doubts for the Wellington Phoenix women’s team’s first-ever A-League game on home soil.

Phoenix medical staff are racing time to help coach Natalie Lawrence field the strongest possible side in Sunday’s season opener against Melbourne City.

With five days to go, the treatment room looks like this:

  • Wisnewski is back in Wellington, receiving treatment for a small calf tear that forced her to miss her Ferns debut against Korea Republic at the weekend.
  • Rolston hobbled off the pitch after only 15 minutes of play against Korea but has remained with the Ferns squad for Tuesday’s second international.
  • Goalkeeper and captain Lily Alfeld will miss at least three Phoenix games as she recuperates from knee surgery.
  • Midfielder Isabel Gomez will miss the A-League opener due to a bone bruise suffered during pre-season.
  • Another unnamed player is also being monitored due to a possible concussion issue.

At her media conference on Monday, Lawrence was optimistic about Wisnewski’s chances of recovering in time for the weekend, while she was waiting to learn more about Rolston.

“We know with her she just needs to be managed a bit with her back so I don’t really see any major concerns there, but we’ll catch up with her,” she said.

Four more members of the Ferns squad — Betsy Hassett, Paige Satchell, Kate Taylor and Mackenzie Barry — will return from Christchurch to the Phoenix headquarters at Upper Hutt on Thursday, in time for three more training sessions before Sunday’s match.

Fixture

Game to be played on Sunday November 20, 2022

Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 3pm (NZT)

Media conference: Natalie Lawrence

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Media conference: Brianna Edwards

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Credit

This story is published with the help of the Wellington Phoenix.

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