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THE Newcastle Jets have suffered a pre-season body blow after star import Wes Hoolahan suffered an ankle injury in Tuesday night's FFA Cup loss to Adelaide that appears certain to sideline him for the start of the A-League season. Hoolahan, the former Ireland international and Norwich City playmaker, was carried from the field early in the second half after a clash with Adelaide's Ryan Kitto. There were early fears that the 37-year-old could be out of action for up to three months after suffering a syndesmosis. "He got kicked from behind and then he twisted his ankle forward, and then he got a free kick against him ... it looks like he's going to be out for a while," Jets coach Ernie Merrick said. Merrick said it was likely to be " a minimum three-month injury". Sport: The Newcastle Jets "We'll obviously have it scanned, have it confirmed, the extent of the damage," he said. "But the two previous similar-type injuries I've seen are a minimum of 12, 13, 14 weeks. Minimum. "Sometimes they have to operate to put a screw in to hold the two bones together, because the ligaments and tendons are all ruptured to death. "So it's been a very costly experience coming here." Newcastle's first game in the A-League is their round-two showdown with Central Coast at Gosford on October 19. Hoolahan, a club legend at Norwich after playing for a decade with the Canaries, also appeared in 43 internationals for Republic of Ireland. Although in the twilight of his career, signing a player of his class and experience was considered a coup for the Jets, who will now be sweating on his recovery. Merrick was disappointed with the refereeing in Newcastle's 1-0 loss, after goalkeeper Lewis Italiano was controversially sent off and Adelaide captain Michael Jakobsen avoided conceding a penalty for what Merrick said was a "blatant" hand-ball. While you're with us, did you know Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here. IN NEWS TODAY:

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