‘Short on Centre-Backs: Coach Discusses Injury Concern and Timeline for Star’s Comeback’

Steve Corica, head coach of Auckland FC, has stated that the severity of vital central defender Nando Pijnaker’s ankle injury remains uncertain after the New Zealand international was substituted in the first half of their 2-1 victory over the Macarthur Bulls on Saturday.

Pijnaker has been instrumental in Auckland’s campaign, featuring in all 15 of their Isuzu UTE A-League matches this season, and playing a significant role in their ascent to the top of the table during the club’s debut season.

The All Whites centre-back exited the pitch just 23 minutes into the match against the Bulls, a result that solidified Auckland’s five-point lead at the summit of the table.

MATCH REPORT: Auckland FC extends lead at the top following another late triumph against the Bulls

Corica is already managing without A-Leagues championship-winner Dan Hall, who sustained an ankle fracture during training in mid-December; full-back Callan Elliot was subbed in to replace Pijnaker after his injury.

“To be honest, I haven’t seen him yet,” Corica mentioned during the post-match press conference.

“I think he’s rolled his ankle. I’m not yet sure how severe it is; I’ll head in now and take a look.”

“It’s obviously not ideal that he had to come off; we adjusted with Hiroki coming in, and Callan (Elliot) also did a fantastic job – but we’re running low on centre-backs at this rate.”

Corica will be hoping for a positive update on Pijnaker’s injury, especially considering Hall is expected to be sidelined until March.

“He’s probably looking at around five weeks,” Corica added.

“I’m hoping he’ll be back in time for the Newcastle game on March 9. So, whatever that means, roughly four or five weeks.”

Auckland will have a bye in Round 18; however, they are set to face Western United on February 15, albeit without star midfielder Louis Verstraete. He netted the winning goal against the Bulls but accrued his fifth yellow card of the season, which results in a one-match suspension for the Belgian.