LEAGUE One ensemble The revelation that Dutch defender Radinio Balker, who broke his ankle in Saturday’s preseason game at Harrogate Town, will be sidelined until the New Year represents a blow to Huddersfield Town’s injury list.
In only Town’s second friendly of the close season, they defeated North Yorkshire 3-2. Balker, who signed a three-year contract with the club from Dutch team Groningen, was stretchered out during the second half of the game.
According to scans, the athlete has a fracture, and surgery is forthcoming.
Michael Duff, the head coach, stated: “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Radinio and working with him over the past few weeks. I’ve already spoken to him to make sure that he is doing as well as possible for himself after the accident.
“We will do everything in our power to make sure that journey is as simple as possible for him, and we look forward to having him back within the group as soon as possible. Coming back from something like this isn’t easy.”
“I am hurt that I cannot continue to prepare for the new season with my team after enjoying an exciting start to pre-season together,” Balker stated. “This is a difficult moment and an experience no player wishes to have.”
“I will now have to dedicate myself fully to healing and working with the physicians and other medical professionals to make sure I can return to playing as soon as possible. I want to express my gratitude to the Club staff, coaches, and players for their support and kindness, but especially to our incredible supporters for their kind words and worries.
“Even though I won’t be able to begin the season as anticipated, I will still be by your side, cheering on the boys whenever I can.”
The 25-year-old has suffered a lot of injuries since coming to England, and at the end of the previous season, he dealt with a muscular issue.
He last played for the Terriers on March 29. He has made seven appearances for the team.
Danny Ward, Rhys Healey, and Lasse Sorensen’s goals helped Town win over the weekend, but the incident involving Balker was, regrettably, the major storyline.
After announcing friendlies against teams from the Bundesliga.2, Serie A, and the Cypriot First Division, Duff’s team will depart for their upcoming Austrian tour at the end of this week. Town’s first match will be against Aris Limassol at St Ulrich on Monday, July 22 at 6 p.m. Duff’s team will then play German team Hertha Berlin in Kossen on Thursday, July 25 at 1 p.m. Three days later, on Sunday, July 28, at 2.30 p.m., in Jenbach.