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Downey out for six weeks

GYMPIE football star Jimmy Downey is out of the Perth Glory's season opening game due to injury.

Picture: © istockphoto.com/ Lewis Wright
Picture: © istockphoto.com/ Lewis Wright

GYMPIE football star Jimmy Downey is out of the Perth Glory's season opening game due to injury.

Scans on Wednesday revealed a recurrence of pre-existing knee injury would see Downey sit out for six to eight weeks.

Downey's pace in defence will be missed by the Glory as they try and win the opening game of the A League season against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium tonight.

The Glory faces a tough opening two rounds of the season, with the trip to Adelaide followed by a flight across the Tasman to tackle Wellington Phoenix.

Downey's knee isn't the only problem for the Glory.

His team mates Jamie Harnwell (hamstring) ruled out until at least round four and midfielder Wayne Srhoj (hamstring) and Anthony Skorich (hip) sidelined for round one.

Former English Premier League defender Andy Todd has overcome a back complaint and is set to start in the opener, but right back Scott Neville (foot) is finding a big ask to prove his fitness.

Downey's captain Jacob Burns admitted the pre-season injuries were less than ideal but was confident the new-look squad would get the job done against Adelaide.

“We've lost a couple in injuries but in general the mood is good and we'll be looking for the points in Adelaide,” he said on Wednesday.

“To do all the hard yards and then have niggles and things just before the first round isn't ideal but look, the squad's full of depth so we'll go in there and be looking to conquer Adelaide really.”

Originally published as Downey out for six weeks

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gympie/sport/downey-out-for-six-weeks/news-story/2ccba707cf079d3757627b5ddf753cab