Chiefy reveals 'disappointing' Wellington Phoenix injury blow

Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo ‘Chiefy’ Italiano said star veteran Marco Rojas is facing four weeks on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

Rojas was a late omission from last week’s 4-1 Isuzu UTE A-League loss to Western Sydney Wanderers after twisting his ankle in training and the 45-time New Zealand international is set for more time off the pitch.

It is another blow for the 33-year-old forward, who returned to his boyhood club this season but has been limited to 123 minutes of action across four Wellington appearances, with one of those starts.

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“Expected return to play probably about three-four weeks at the moment,” Italiano told reporters of Rojas ahead of Saturday’s Round 10 showdown against Newcastle Jets amid the Phoenix’s three-game losing streak.

“We just have to see how his ankle settles down. That’s probably more ongoing than anything. Being conservative it would be a four-week stint. If it’s a bit better, it might be three weeks.

“It’s just unfortunate because he was starting to come good and showing a bit of his old self and able to go for longer periods in a game.

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“It’s disappointing. I think the group as well miss that at the moment. It’s going to be an opportunity for some younger players to step up and take that chance.

“Four weeks, hopefully that’ll fly before he comes back and makes a big impact.”