Young star's career hangs in the balance after heartbreaking injury setback

Newcastle Jets coach Mark Milligan faces a major blow after confirming that teenage winger Oscar Fryer is unlikely to return this A-League season due to a severe knee injury. The setback came during the team’s 4-1 loss to Sydney FC at McDonald Jones Stadium.

“There are a few things to go through, but it doesn't look great,” Milligan said. “You don't want to see that happen to anybody, especially Ossie, who has had such a tough run already. Fingers crossed it is not as serious as we first thought.”

Scans scheduled for Monday are expected to confirm a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in Fryer’s left knee. This injury could sideline him for months, another frustrating chapter in his young career.

The Jets are already dealing with multiple absences. Japanese midfielder Kota Mizunuma and top scorer from last season, Eli Adams, remain out with hamstring injuries. Mizunuma has just resumed light training, while Adams is still a few weeks from returning.

“We have had the same issue with Kota,” Milligan said. “When we have serious injuries in the club, we are unable to replace them because we don't meet the threshold money-wise, which I think is absolutely ridiculous. If it is a long-term injury, we can only replace them if they are on more than $300,000. We don't have any of those players.”

Regulation challenges add to Jets' worries

In previous seasons, clubs could bring in replacement players for those with long-term injuries. However, under the current rule, only players earning above $300,000 a season can be replaced. Milligan criticized the policy, calling it unfair to teams with smaller budgets.

As the Jets battle ongoing injury woes and restrictive regulations, Milligan’s main concern remains the recovery and future of his promising young star.

Author’s Summary

Newcastle Jets suffer a major setback after teen standout Oscar Fryer’s severe knee injury, with coach Mark Milligan condemning A-League rules limiting replacements for lower-salary players.

Hunter Valley News — 2025-11-03