Adelaide United FC midfielder Fabian Barbiero will miss the rest of the Hyundai A-League season due to a recurring ankle injury.
Barbiero, who has been managing an ankle problem that kept him out of the first nine games of the season, aggravated the injury in a training mishap last week.
The 26 year old had surgery on Tuesday to repair the ankle ligament injury, leaving him sidelined for six weeks before he can start his rehabilitation program.
“When it twisted again I felt a sharp pain in the same spot, but I didn-t know until later that night and then the next morning how bad it was,” Barbiero recalled.
“It is shattering, obviously with the finals coming up we-re in a good position, the team has been doing well and I was hoping to be part of it.”
“Now knowing I won-t be part of it is disappointing, but that-s football sometimes and I-ve got to think long term and be ready for next season.”
Barbiero could have continued trying to cure the injury without going under the knife, but the hard working midfielder decided to have surgery in the hope of prolonging his career and allowing him to give his best for the Reds.
“Hopefully the operation will fix it and prevent me from having any problems in the long term,” Barbiero said.
“I have opted to miss the finals and get my ankle ready for next season, so I-ll just do the right things off the field and get it right.”
It is a frustrating setback for the local South Australian product, who committed to a fresh two year deal with Adelaide United earlier this month and was hoping to celebrate his new contract by pressing his claims in the Reds- line up for the run into the finals.
With 16 games and one goal to his name this season, Barbiero will now work on being ready to hit ground running for the start of the Reds- pre season training ahead of the 2011/12 season. Despite his season coming to a premature end, Barbiero is remaining positive.
“While I might not get to play the rest of this season, I-ll definitely still be around the place supporting the boys as much as I can,” Barbiero said.
Adelaide United will take on the Central Coast Mariners this Saturday night at Hindmarsh Stadium (Kick-Off 7.00pm ACDT). Tickets are available through Ticketek.
