Brown ruled out of Roar clash
The Wellington Phoenix women will have to make at least one change for tomorrow’s clash with Brisbane Roar at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
Forward Kelli Brown has been ruled out with concussion while another unnamed player’s involvement is set to be determined today.
Brown received treatment after a clash with an opposing player during the first half of the Phoenix’s 4-0 loss to Melbourne City last Sunday, but was cleared to carry on.
Lewis said she passed another test at halftime before being replaced with 25 minutes to play, and it was only later that evening that she reported any symptoms.
Brown has a recent history with concussion and missed significant playing time in New
Zealand last year as the result of one, so she was now being monitored closely.
‘‘It’s a challenging one,’’ said
Lewis, when asked whether she should have come off as a precaution.
‘‘She passed the on-field one, she passed the test at halftime, and she passed her test after the game as well, so she had very delayed symptoms.
‘‘It wasn’t until late, late that evening, when she contacted the physio – that’s when things started to come on.
‘‘Then as soon as we saw onset of symptoms in the evening, we’ve obviously taken precautions.’’
Lewis said Brown reviewed onWednesday,
‘‘She has quite an extensive history with concussion, so we just have to take it real seriously. We ruled her out for this week, and now she’s with the docs she’ll go through the clear to play process.
‘‘We don’t actually know how long she’ll be out for yet. It’ll depend on how long her symptoms stay around for really. It’s super frustrating for her.’’
Defender Saskia Vosper is a chance to be fit to return on the bench tomorrow, but an unnamed starter is in doubt.
Lewis didn’t want to name the player, whose availability is set to be assessed after she receives physio treatment today.
The Phoenix have lost five straight since their draw with Western Sydney Wanderers in their inaugural A-League Women match at the start of December, but the Roar only have a single win to their name, earlier this year against a Melbourne Victory side that had a player sent off.
Tomorrow’s match was originally scheduled for 4.05pm local time [6.05pm NZ time], but has been moved two hours earlier in order (to 2.05pm local time/4.05pm NZ time] to accommodate the host broadcaster, Channel 10, which is dealing with staff shortages as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak in New South Wales. would be