Wollongong United striker Matthew McNab’s worst fears have been realised on the eve of the Illawarra Premier League grand final after scans revealed he faces up to 12 months out with a serious knee injury.
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The club had been optimistic McNab would recover in time for their showdown with Bulli on Sunday, but were dealt a crushing blow when it was discovered he had suffered an ACL tear.
The talented attacker was helped from the field just five minutes into United’s dramatic 2-1 extra time win over Wollongong Olympic in last week’s preliminary final.
"It's shattering for him and we are devastated for him," United coach Jeff Allport said.
"He has been pretty much a large part of the form we have showed over the finals.
"He has been great for us. He will still be around us at training and on Sunday, but we are feeling for him at the moment."
Allport was confident United had the depth to cover McNab, with Kenta Azechi and Cody Waller both options to replace him.