JETS skipper Nigel Boogaard has been ruled out of Newcastle’s next three pre-season games after suffering his second bout of concussion in the space of eight months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Boogaard was involved in a collision during Newcastle’s 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabian side Shabab Al-Ahli FC in Spain on Wednesday and experienced blurred vision and headaches after the game.
He was taken to a nearby hospital for assessment and will sit out Newcastle’s next two friendlies in Spain, as well as their FFA Cup fixture on Tuesday against the Gold Coast Knights, as a precaution.
“The collision itself didn't seem all that serious at the time, but Nigel had some delayed concussion symptoms and we immediately got him off the pitch,” Jets coach Ernie Merrick said.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a pre-season friendly or a grand final – any issues around concussion must be taken seriously.
“We’re not in the business of taking any risks with this sort of stuff. Nigel’s welfare is paramount.”
Boogaard was concussed in the 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory last December and missed Newcastle’s next game, against Sydney.
