Socceroos star Martin Boyle has vowed to come back “stronger than ever” after undergoing surgery to repair an ACL injury which rules him out of the rest of the 2022/23 season.
Boyle went off injured early in the second half during club side Hibernian’s Scottish Premiership clash against St Mirren in late October and sparked immediate concerns regarding his availability for the World Cup.
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However, the Hibs flyer was deemed fit enough to make Graham Arnold’s 26-man Socceroos squad.
But upon arrival and during the training sessions, Boyle did not pass several fitness tests and was pulled out of the squad with Melbourne City winger Marco Tilio flown in as his replacement.
Further scans on Boyle revealed he had a pre-existing ruptured ACL, forcimg him to undergo surgery in Qatar.
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The Aussie star took to Instagram to share his disappointment at what’s transpired having been cruelly denied the chance to represent the nation on the biggest stage in football.
“Not the news I expected after an emotional rollercoaster of three weeks to learn I needed my ACL repaired,” Boyle wrote.
“Only visible when I needed my op and surgeons done what was best for me!
“I’ve great support around me and I’ve been through it all before and no doubt be back stronger than ever. Thank you all for the best wishes it means a lot!”
Hibernian manager Lee Johnson revealed his devastation for Boyle, but ensured the club “will do everything” to get him back on the park as quickly as possible.
“It has been a tough few weeks for Martin and we are all gutted for him,” Johnson said.
“Now it’s up to us to rally around him and make sure we support him on every level throughout his recovery.
“Short term – it is a big blow for us, but we will do everything we can to support Martin to make sure he comes back fitter, stronger and a better player than before, just like Kevin Nisbet has shown in his recovery.”
