THE NEWCASTLE HERALD
By JAMES GARDINER
AFTER a golden A-League campaign, things have turned sour for Newcastle Jets striker Joel Griffiths.
Controversially left out of a predominantly A-League Socceroos squad to take on Singapore on Saturday, Griffiths now faces three weeks on the sideline after he strained ankle ligaments on debut for Japanese second-division side Avispa Fukuoka.
On a three-month loan from the Jets, Griffiths lasted only 21 minutes in the 2-1 win over Mito HollyHock on Sunday.
"He was just starting to get into the game when he jumped up and landed on an opposing player's foot and twisted his ankle," said Griffiths's father Alan.
"I spoke to him on Monday morning. He thinks he will be out for two to three weeks which means he could miss up to five games. They play two games a week most weeks.
"They won the match so he was happy about that. He was still in pretty good spirits so it must not be too bad."
There was better news for his brothers, twin Adam and younger sibling Ryan.
Adam is in line to make his international debut against Singapore, while Ryan has received a late call-up to the squad.
The Jets had hoped to get Ryan on loan next season but that now appears highly unlikely.
The talented left winger is contracted to Romanian giant Rapid Bucharest and has returned on loan to Chinese first-division club Liaoning.
The 26-year-old spent four months at Liaoning last season before he was struck down with a heart condition.
He has recovered fully from the problem and is out to add to his four Socceroos caps.
While delighted for Adam and Ryan, Alan was mystified as to why Joel was not also on national duty.
"I'm tickled pink for Ryan and Adam, but I'm not sure what else Joel has to do," Griffiths senior said.
"I told him to keep playing well and they can't keep ignoring him."
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek refuted claims Griffiths, the A-League Golden Boot winner and player of the year, had been omitted because of disparaging comments he made about Qatar after the Socceroos 3-0 win last month. Verbeek insisted there was no agenda behind the decision, other than form.
"I think I have six or seven players for that striking position and you always have to leave one, two or three at home," he said.
Jets coach Gary van Egmond spoke to Griffiths after the squad was named but remained diplomatic over his star's non selection.
"Everyone has a different opinion of players," he said.
Article source http://theherald.yourguide.com.au/news/sport/soccer/injury-adds-nasty-twist-to-joels-japanese-sojourn/1205464.html
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