Hibs and Martin Boyle dealt huge injury blow with winger out for rest of season

Hibs have been dealt a significant blow after attacker Martin Boyle was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The 29-year-old sustained an injury in the 3-0 victory over St Mirren at Easter Road in late October, missing the club’s final three matches before the break for the 2022 World Cup.

Boyle was named in the Australia squad and travelled to Qatar but was forced to pull out ahead of the Socceroos’ opening game against France on Tuesday night. The player was monitored by the country’s medical team in the Middle East but scans on his leg revealed a pre-existing ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury, requiring surgery.

On Tuesday Boyle posted a photo of himself watching Australia take on France from a hospital bed, sparking fears that his injury may be more serious than first suspected. He underwent surgery in Qatar and has started his rehabilitation but faces a long road back.

Martin Boyle will miss the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign

Hibs manager Lee Johnson said: “It has been a tough few weeks for Martin and we are all gutted for him. Now, it’s up to us to rally around him and make sure we support him on every level throughout his recovery. Short term it is a big blow for us, but we will do everything we can to support Martin to make sure he comes back fitter, stronger, and a better player than before, just like Kevin Nisbet has shown in his recovery.”

Writing on social media Boyle said: “Not the news I expected after an emotional rollercoaster, to learn I needed my ACL repaired. Only visible when I needed my operation and surgeons did what was best for me. I’ve got great support around me and been through it all before and no doubt I’ll be back stronger than ever.”