Brisbane Roar winger Jez Lofthouse set to miss the start of the A-League season

Brisbane Roar will be without one of their attacking weapons when the new A-League season starts in October.

Jez Lofthouse (11) celebrates with his Roar teammates last season. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Brisbane Roar winger Jez Lofthouse will miss the start of the new A-League season as he continues to battle a lower abdominal injury.

Understood to be similar to osteitis pubis, Lofthouse’s injury – which first flared late in Brisbane’s 2022-23 campaign – has prevented him from taking part in any of the Roar’s pre-season training sessions.

Roar coach Ross Aloisi – who was appointed to the position soon after the Roar completed last season’s playing commitments – said 23-year-old Lofthouse would remain sidelined indefinitely and would not be fit for the start his side’s 2023-24 A-League campaign in October.

Roar coach Ross Aloisi is preparing his side for Saturday’s Australia Cup round-of-16 clash against Sydney United 58. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

“It’s a shame for him and for the team because he did well last season,” Aloisi said.

“He’s a little bit down but he’s got the support of everyone at the club as he continues his recovery.”

Apart from Lofthouse, the Roar will also be without left-back Corey Brown (hamstring) and goalkeeper Matt Acton (hand) for their round-of-16 Australia Cup clash with NPL NSW club Sydney United on Saturday at Edensor Park.

Recent signing, former Melbourne City playmaker Florin Berenguer, also won’t play, with Aloisi keen for the 34-year-old Frenchman to focus on ensuring he’s at the peak of his fitness for the start of the A-League season.

However, veteran defender Scott Neville is set to be available for selection after recovering from a knee injury.

The teams also met at Edensor Park in last year’s Cup semi-finals, with Sydney United securing an upset 3-2 win.

“That was last season. I wasn’t here then and we’re confident of doing well this weekend playing the style of football we want to play,” Aloisi said.

Originally published as Brisbane Roar winger Jez Lofthouse set to miss the start of the A-League season