Oldham suffer Wildie blow
Oldham RLFC's vice-captain Matty Wildie has undergone elbow surgery and will miss a significant period, including potential key matches like the 1895 Cup semi-final and final. The injury occurred during a win over Barrow, and Wildie played through it before requiring surgery. His absence is a blow to the in-form team, but he remains optimistic about his recovery. Additionally, forward Brad Gallagher is also sidelined with a knee injury.
Oldham RLFC vice-captain Matty Wildie faces an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing elbow surgery, the club confirmed today.
The experienced hooker sustained the injury during last weekend’s 1895 Cup quarter-final victory against Barrow but continued playing, unaware of the severity of the damage. Wildie has already had the operation after consulting with a specialist and will miss the upcoming semi-final and potentially the final should Oldham reach Wembley for the first time.
“I felt a bit of burn in the side of my arm but carried on,” Wildie told Roughyeds TV. “At the end of the game I said it was a bit sore so got checked on Monday and sent for a scan on Thursday, saw the surgeon Friday and have been put straight in for surgery. The lateral ligament on my elbow has come off the bone and needs to be reattached.”
The 32-year-old missed Sunday’s thrilling 26-24 victory over Featherstone, which marked Oldham’s fourth consecutive win and moved Sean Long’s side to second in the Betfred Championship table. Adam Milner started at hooker in Wildie’s absence, with Bailey Aldridge enjoying extended minutes off the bench.
“I will do everything I can to be back as soon as possible and have already set targets for games I want to be back for,” Wildie said. “I feel like I have been in good form so this happening is a kick in the teeth and potentially missing Wembley is another blow. That is something I need to get my head around.”
Head coach Sean Long faces a double blow with forward Brad Gallagher also facing an extended layoff after suffering a grade 3 MCL tear in his knee while on dual-registration with Rochdale last weekend. Gallagher had only just returned from winter surgery and was playing his first game of the season.
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