Huddersfield Town confirm extent of Radinio Balker injury

The centre-back looks set to miss the first half of the new season after breaking his ankle on Saturday

Radinio Balker has been ruled out until 2025 after the club confirmed he has fractured his ankle during Saturday’s friendly game against Harrogate Town.

The centre-back was taken off on a stretcher after sliding to cut out a pass just outside the Huddersfield box, with his ankle appearing to roll awkwardly under him. Balker will now require surgery.

Town have now announced that Balker is expected to miss the first half of the new 2024/25 season. His exact return date is unknown but is expected to be in 2025.

Balker had missed the end of the 2023/24 season with a thigh issue after arriving as a permanent signing in January, but as a bone break, his latest injury is entirely unrelated and unforeseeable.

Huddersfield Town sporting director Mark Cartwright said in a club statement: “It’s a huge shame to lose Radinio to such an unlucky and unavoidable impact injury. You never want to see a player seriously hurt, but having worked so hard to get back having been sidelined previously, the timing of this is particularly unfortunate.

“A great professional, we’re sure Radinio will be back as soon as possible with the care and attention of our staff, and he has the best wishes of us all at the club for his rehabilitation.”

Head coach Michael Duff added: “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know and working with Radinio over the past few weeks, and I’ve spoken to him already to make sure that he is as okay as possible in himself following the injury.

“Coming back from something like this isn’t easy, but we will do everything we can to make sure that journey is as straightforward as possible for him, and we look forward to having him back within the group when possible.”

Balker added: “This is a difficult moment and an experience no player wishes to have, and 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.

“I must now take the time to heal and work with the doctors and medics to ensure I can play again as soon as possible, which I will do with full commitment. I want to thank all of my coaches, teammates and Club staff for their care and kindness, but most of all our amazing supporters for your well wishes and concern.

“While I won’t be able to start the season as planned, I will still be alongside you supporting the boys whenever possible.”

Town’s other centre-back options for the new season include Tom Lees, Matty Pearson, Michal Helik, Brodie Spencer, Ollie Turton, Josh Ruffels and Loick Ayina.

Lees is currently on the comeback from an MCL injury suffered in the penultimate game of last season, while Helik and Spencer were not risked on Saturday with minor knocks.