Wellington Phoenix Faces Setback as Captain Longo Suffers Serious Injury

 Annalie Longo’s Hospitalization Overshadows Phoenix’s 1-0 Defeat

Wellington Phoenix coach Paul Temple has confirmed that team captain Annalie Longo is receiving treatment in a hospital following a serious facial injury sustained during their 1-0 loss to Newcastle Jets. The incident has raised concerns for the team, as they grapple with their third defeat of the season, leaving them at the bottom of the Ninja A-League standings.

Collision Leaves Longo with Suspected Facial Fracture

In the 90th minute of the match, Longo collided with Newcastle defender Claudio Cicco while chasing down the ball. Replays revealed that the Phoenix skipper suffered an accidental elbow to the face, leaving her bloodied and dizzy. Coach Paul Temple shared the grim diagnosis post-match.

“Unfortunately, she’s taken a pretty hefty whack to the face,” Temple said. “There’s a bit of blood and dizziness, and she’s in a bad way. The doctor feels it’s likely a fracture around the eye socket, but she’s on her way to the hospital.”

Temple added that the team planned to check on Longo after arriving back in Sydney for the upcoming Unite Round.

Phoenix’s Struggles Continue Amid Injury Blow

The injury added to the Phoenix’s woes, as a stunning 70th-minute goal from Newcastle’s Cassidy Davis sealed the Jets’ victory. With this loss marking their third of the season, Wellington finds themselves at the bottom of the league table.

Temple acknowledged the need for a tactical reset. “It’s a tough loss, and we’ll have to go back to the drawing board,” he stated.

Despite the setback, the Phoenix are preparing to rebound during the Unite Round, where they face Adelaide United at Leichhardt Oval on Friday, November 22.

Source: A-league