Perth Glory will be without the services of Young Matildas midfielder Georgia Cassidy and American recruit Gabby Hollar for the rest of the season, as confirmed by head coach Stephen Peters this week.
The two key players were absent from last weekend’s match at McKellar Park against Canberra United, and as the Glory prepare for their Round 15 encounter with Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium, Peters disclosed that both Cassidy and Hollar are facing extended periods on the sidelines.
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Cassidy sustained a quadriceps injury during Glory’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Brisbane Roar at the end of January, while Hollar has been diagnosed with multiple blood clots, which will hinder her ability to travel with the team and participate in matches for a considerable time.
“Last week, we unfortunately lost two players, Cassidy and Gabby Hollar. It’s looking like both will be out for the rest of the season,” Peters said.
“Gabby’s suffering from several blood clots, which is quite unusual. She’s going to be on medication that prevents her from flying, and regrettably, from playing as well.
“Cassidy has a grade 2B quadriceps injury, which means she’ll be sidelined for around eight weeks, and there are only nine matches remaining. The list of injuries just keeps growing – it’s been quite interesting. At this rate, I should consider a career in medicine after this season.”
Peters also announced that mid-season acquisition Caitlin Doeglas is due to return to her full-time teaching commitments before the end of the month, which is yet another setback for the West Australian side.
Doeglas returned to Perth after a four-year absence and made an immediate impact by scoring in her first match back against Sydney FC in January. She added two more goals in Perth’s victory over Brisbane, bringing her total to three goals from five appearances since joining on an injury-replacement contract.
“She probably has just two matches left with us, which is going to be a real shame because she’s played exceptionally well for us,” Peters said.
“That’s disappointing for us, but she’s been fantastic and views this positively. She’s certainly changed her narrative regarding her memories of Glory, looking to finish on a strong note, and I’m hopeful we can have her back next season, which I’ve discussed with her.
“We need to consider her work balance and what that entails. But I’d love to bring her back because she’s been brilliant.”
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Peters is anticipating the return of Ischia Brooking and Kelli Brown from their injuries in time for the journey to Adelaide to face the Reds. He also mentioned that star midfielder Susan Phonsongkham is expected to join the squad for the final three matches of the regular season following her lengthy recovery from injury.
Phonsongkham sustained an ankle injury while competing for Preston Lions in the NPLW Victoria Grand Final last September, and she has yet to make her return to the field.
“I believe she’s on course to be involved in the last three matches, which is promising. I don’t want to place too much pressure on her, but we’re keen to see her back and assess her readiness for future seasons. So that’s a good sign for us.
“Bringing back Brooking and Brown is a positive. (Isobel) Dalton completed the (Canberra) game well, so let’s hope we finally have some depth in our squad now.”
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