American striker, Katie Stengel is in doubt for the remainder of the Westfield W-League season after scans revealed she’s suffered a low-grade stress fracture in her foot.
The injury is thought to be the result of a gruelling women’s football calendar, which has seen Stengel play back-to-back seasons in the NWSL and Westfield W-League.
The Utah Royal will be in a moon boot for the next 2-3 weeks before further assessment on the injury, giving the Club some hope she might be available for their final fixtures of the season.
Regardless of the length of Stengel’s lay off it’s a devastating blow for the Club, who won’t take any unnecessary risks with the striker, ensuring her ample recovery time for the April 13 start of the NWSL season.
The American was the Jets leading goalscorer last season with ten to her name. This season, she’s scored three so far.
Stengel joins close friend and compatriot, Taylor Smith on the sidelines with the speedy winger out for an extended period with an ACL injury.
Newcastle Jets Westfield W-League Head Coach, Craig Deans spoke about the loss of Stengel in the wake of the January 31 loss to Adelaide.
“It’s sad for her, obviously Taylor’s [also] out for the season … from a human point of view, it’s upsetting,” Deans said.
“To see players injured for a long period of time, it’s bad for the group but on the other hand it’s an opportunity for some of the younger girls to step up.
“It’s as simple as workload – she’s had her third season in Australia, plus all the seasons back home, and the girls only get a week or two’s break.”
