Phoenix’s Fenton blow as defender ruled out of Victory clash

Wellington Phoenix have been dealt a blow with confirmation Louis Fenton has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Melbourne Victory with a shoulder injury.

The right-back, who has a history of shoulder issues, suffered a knock in the first-half of last weekend’s controversial 3-2 loss to Melbourne City.

Fenton went on to finish the match and was involved in the big talking point of the match, with a penalty given to City – which Craig Noone converted – after referee Ben Abraham adjudged him to have handled in the area.

The 26-year-old underwent an MRL scan this week which confirmed he wouldn’t be available for the Round 5 trip to AAMI Park.

“It is unfortunate that Louis won’t be with us for this match, he brings a toughness and passion to our squad that we need,” Phoenix boss Ufuk Talay said.

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“We’ll re-evaluate Louis next week to determine his availability for Round 7 and beyond, and in the meantime we wish him all the best in his recovery and look forward to his return.”

Phoenix aren’t in action in Round 6 due t the bye.

Fenton was earlier this week named in New Zealand’s squad for two matches in Europe later this month.

Danny Hay’s All Whites will play the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, 14 November in Dublin and Lithuania on Sunday, 17 November in Vilnius.

It has yet to be confirmed if Fenton will be fit to travel with the All Whites squad to Europe next week.

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