[themaclad]

2 Hours ago


@pnefc

Sean Maguire and Billy Bodin have both suffered injuries ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Striker Sean Maguire was substituted in PNE's final pre-season game of the summer on Saturday, and scans have revealed damage to his hamstring.

The Irishman will be out of action for a matter of weeks as he recovers from the injury.

Billy Bodin will be missing for a significant period of time after suffering a knee ligament injury in training earlier this week.

Speaking about the injuries to both players, manager Alex Neil said: “Sean was taken off as a precaution, we didn’t think much of it. Because of his history, we got him scanned and it’s come back a lot worse than what we thought. He will be missing for the best part of a couple of months.

“It’s really bad luck, he was feeling the best he’s ever felt physically and now this has happened which is a huge blow for us and the club.
“Another injury that has unfortunately happened in training is that Billy Bodin has popped his knee and he will be out for the best part of six months.

"His foot got stuck in the ground and as he turned, he has damaged his ACL [anterior cruciate ligament]. It’s devastating for Billy.

“They are both strong lads, both physically and mentally and they will be back as soon as they can.

“It’s not great news but we have been in this situation before and we have had to deal with setbacks in the past, but it presents other players with an opportunity now and it’s up to them to step up to the plate.
"It’s taken me a couple of days to get my head around it but you can’t be too pessimistic because that feeds through everybody, we still have to believe and like I say it gives others a chance.”

Everyone at the club would like to wish both players a speedy recovery.