Wellington Phoenix Faces Setback as Rising Star Set for Season-Ending Surgery

Wellington Phoenix custodian Alby Kelly-Heald has been sidelined for the remainder of the Isuzu UTE A-League season due to the necessity for shoulder surgery.

Following an MRI scan that confirmed a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Kelly-Heald is set to undergo a procedure that will end his season prematurely. The injury occurred earlier this month when he dislocated his shoulder during training, causing the 20-year-old to miss the Round 23 fixture against Sydney FC.

This injury marks an untimely conclusion to Kelly-Heald’s inaugural A-League season, during which he had established himself with eight consecutive starts since his debut in January, managing to keep two clean sheets for the Phoenix.

“I’m really disappointed,” Kelly-Heald expressed as Wellington, currently in 11th place, prepares to take on the formidable Western Sydney Wanderers this Saturday.

“When you start getting game time, you envision playing through to the end of the season. You never foresee a significant injury like this.”

“I’m saddened that I can’t finish the season with the team, but I’ll be cheering from the sidelines.”

Despite his setback, the New Zealand youth international remains optimistic about recovering in time to participate in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile this September and October.

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“If everything goes smoothly and we can expedite the process, I believe there’s a chance,” he said. “It’s not a high probability, but there’s still a glimmer of hope.”

“Now, my rehab will focus on strengthening the shoulder ahead of surgery, with an anticipated recovery of about six months post-operation. I’m aiming for a quicker turnaround.”

“I hope the mental aspect is as manageable as the physical.”

With Kelly-Heald out of action, the Phoenix will look to former Tottenham prospect Josh Oluwayemi and Dublin Boon to rise to the challenge.

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Wellington’s head coach, Giancarlo Italiano, expressed his disappointment: “On a personal level, it’s tough for Alby as he has worked tremendously hard to secure the starting position.

“It’s also a setback for team dynamics as his presence has provided us with significant security.”

“However, once he has the surgery, he will be back before long. This is merely a minor obstacle in his career.”