A-League
Colakovski Out for the Season in Devastating Blow to Phoenix
Australian forward Stefan Colakovski has been ruled out for the remainder of the Wellington Phoenix’s 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign. The 23-year-old suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during a Sunday morning training session, a setback that will require surgery and up to 12 months of recovery.
A Promising Start Cut Short
Colakovski joined the Phoenix on a one-year contract in October, just 10 days before the season kickoff. Despite his short time with the team, the forward quickly became a key asset, making six consecutive appearances as a second-half substitute. Head coach Giancarlo Italiano lauded Colakovski’s rapid adaptation to the squad and his growing influence on the pitch.
“We all feel for Cola,” Italiano stated. “He’s fitted seamlessly into the squad and has become a popular member of the dressing room in no time. We were also starting to see glimpses of what he was capable of on the pitch as he got up to speed following his late arrival.”
A Challenging Road to Recovery
Colakovski now faces a challenging journey back to full fitness. ACL injuries are among the most serious in football, often requiring extensive rehabilitation and mental resilience. The Wellington Phoenix have pledged their full support for his recovery process, with Italiano expressing confidence in Colakovski’s ability to bounce back stronger.
“We wish Cola all the best with his rehab and we’re sure he’ll come back stronger than ever,” Italiano added.
This injury comes as a blow not only to Colakovski but to the Phoenix, who had started to integrate the talented forward into their system.
