Newcastle Jets have been dealt another injury blow with confirmation attacker Kaine Sheppard won’t play until the New Year due to a foot injury.

Sheppard suffered the injury in the club’s friendly clash with Sydney FC on September 21.

The 25-year-old was taken down in a heavy challenge by a Sky Blues defender, winning a penalty but sustaining a rare ligament rupture in his foot.

After consulting multiple specialist opinions, it was decided that Sheppard will undergo reconstructive surgery.

Jets medical staff expect Sheppard to be available for selection in late January at the earliest.

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He joins Irish playmaker Wes Hoolahan on the sidelines after the club’s star recruit suffered a serious ankle injury in their FFA Cup 2019 Quarter Final loss to Adelaide United.

Hoolahan is also likely to be out until the New Year.

The Jets have the bye in the opening round of the new season, before facing Central Coast Mariners in Round 2.

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