(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
Huddersfield Town midfielder Jonathan Hogg has handed his side a huge injury boost with the news his neck injury is not as bad as first feared, meaning he could be back in training by the end of the week.
The 28-year-old suffered what looked like a horrific spinal injury during the 4-0 defeat to Bristol City nearly two weeks ago after colliding with Mark Hudson, and was initially diagnosed with a suspected break to the bone in his neck.
However, despite requiring 14 minutes of treatment while still on the Ashton Gate pitch, and fears he would be ruled out for the rest of the season, Hogg could be back to play a vital part for the Terriers as they chase automatic promotion.
Speaking to the club's official wesbite, Huddersfield's Head of Medical Ian Kirkpatrick explained: “The initial information, symptoms and summary down in Bristol Royal Infirmary suggested Jonathan had a fracture in his cervical spine.
“However, a detailed review with the specialists we use in the area, led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Jake Timothy, has added to Jonathan's diagnosis and rate of recovery.
“If there was any remote question over this, the specialists would say and we would err on the side of caution. However, a team of multi-disciplinary specialists – and an independent third opinion yesterday – gives us complete confidence.
“We can now lift the restrictions on Jonathan, with the aim of him returning to full training as soon as is safely possible.”
The return of Hogg will be a massive boost for the club, and manager David Wagner, after such a demoralising defeat in their last league outing had threatened to halt Town's unlikely promotion tilt.
The German boss was clearly delighted upon hearing the news, and said: ““This is absolutely brilliant news for the Club, but particularly for ‘Hoggy'.
“We were all very disappointed for Jonathan when he sustained a very serious-looking injury and the initial investigation ruled him out for a long time, but some of the country's best experts have now given him the all-clear.
“It's going to be brilliant to have him back on the training pitch with the team, hopefully late this week; it's a real boost for Jonathan, his teammates and the fans!”
