A bitterly disappointed Carlos Hernandez will miss Wednesday’s game against Western Sydney Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium because of a fractured wrist.
A bitterly disappointed Carlos Hernandez will miss Wednesday-s game against Western Sydney Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium because of a fractured wrist.
The Costa Rican international was flying back to Wellington today after X-rays revealed a fractured scaphoid bone in his left wrist, and he will have an operation as soon as possible.
“I wanted to play but the physio said it was too dangerous,” Hernandez said.
“If I did any more damage to it I could be out for a lot longer.
“It is really disappointing because we have had two wins and the team has been playing very well.
“I was enjoying my football and now I have to miss games.”
Even with an operation, which is likely to take place in the next two days, Hernandez, who is looking to book a place in the Costa Rica team for the World Cup, will be out of action for five to six weeks which will mean him missing friendly games against Chile and Korea at the end of January.
Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said the injury came out of an innocuous challenge during Friday-s 1-0 win over Melbourne Heart.
“Carlos fell on his wrist and twisted it at the same time,” Merrick said.
“He told us it was aching that night so we had it strapped.
“It seemed fine, but after training the next day the ache was back so we sent him for an X-ray. That revealed a fractured scaphoid bone that needed operating on as soon as possible.
“He can-t play or train till that is done.”
Merrick said the injury meant changing a combination that had won the last two games, but is confident he has the players to come in and do Hernandez- No 10 job.
“I-ll make a decision about who will do that job on match day,” he said.
“Make no mistake we are going for a win; nothing less.
“We have drawn twice with last year-s premiers, and have some momentum built up after winning our last two games.”
On a positive note Stein Huysegems, who has had a hamstring strain, came through the final training session without a problem and Louis Fenton also pulled up well.
While Huysegems, scorer of the winning goals in the last two games, will definitely start, Merrick will make a decision on Fenton in the morning.
