Breakers guard Ben Woodside got the news he didn’t want to hear today with confirmation of a serious injury to the American.
Woodside was injured in overtime during the win over Melbourne on Friday night, missing Sunday’s win over Brisbane and he will not suit up against the Cairns Taipans on Friday night in Auckland, nor will he suit up for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks.
Woodside has had scans confirm a rupture to the plantar fascia in his right foot, with coach Paul Henare confirming the news at training.
"It is not good news for Ben and right now we are all feeling for him," said Henare.
"I guess everyone kind of knew when he suffered the injury that it was a relatively serious one, he was in a lot of pain and it was clear that he was going to be out for some time.
"The scans have revealed the extent of the damage, with medical advice suggesting a minimum recovery time of six to eight weeks. This is a blow first and foremost to Ben, for any player to be ruled out for any length of time is tough, he is hurting and we are hurting for him as a group."
Woodside spoke of his devastation, but his first thoughts were for the team, not himself.
"I was real emotional when it happened, sure there was some pain but for me it hit pretty quickly that I was hurt reasonably bad and at the worst time," said Woodside.
"Just as we were finding our chemistry as a group, just when we were moving in the right direction and we were establishing a real understanding, this happens and I might have set that back some.
"On a personal level yeah, this hurts physically and emotionally, but my concern is for this team and I will continue to do what I can to help us get better and not lose that momentum over these next few games, starting Friday night against Cairns, I will be there doing whatever I can to help us."
The club has moved quickly given the serious nature of the injury to seek a replacement, turning to the international market for a new point guard, preferably one that will arrive in time for Friday night’s game.
"Knowing that Ben was going to be out for a number of weeks we have already set the wheels in motion to find a replacement," said Henare.
"We have already had a response from our agent and are working through a number of options and believe we will sign a quality player. This league can be over before you blink an eye, we are already a quarter of the way through the season, every game is vital so we cannot waste any time in seeking a replacement."
The club said in a statement that any further decisions on the time for that replacement player and the rehab programme for Woodside will be made in the days and weeks ahead.
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