Advertisement

Glory lose Thwaite for a month

Perth Glory have suffered a major blow with defender Michael Thwaite set to miss the next 3-4 weeks after scans revealed a tear in his right calf muscle today.

Thwaite felt a pop in his right calf while standing a few metres away from his nearest opponent in the second half of last night’s 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers at Patersons Stadium.

He was immediately replaced by Nick Ward, who scored an 87th minute equaliser to earn Glory a share of the points.

Thwaite played a key role for a second-string Socceroos side in the successful East Asian Cup qualifying campaign earlier this month and will leave a major hole in the centre of defence.

“He’s been a rock at the back for us and him and Bas (van den Brink) have been great all season,” Glory coach Ian Ferguson said.

“Missing his experience is going to be a blow.”

Thwaite left the arena on crutches after last night’s game and will be replaced by Steve Pantelidis for the game away to league leaders Central Coast Mariners on Monday.

Pantelidis has recently returned from a toe injury to feature for Glory’s youth team.