Vargas injury to test Jets' true ability

Oct 28, 2017 - 4:12 AM When life gives you lemons, start squeezing.

That's how in-form striker Roy O'Donovan is looking at the traumatic injury to Newcastle marquee man Ronald Vargas and is challenging his teammates to "make lemonade" in the Venezuelan international's absence.

Vargas will miss most of the A-League season after breaking his leg in last weekend's 2-1 win over Brisbane.

The 30-year-old was supposed to be the Jets' attacking fulcrum this season and showed flashes of absolute quality across the first three rounds.

O'Donovan admits how the Jets adapt to life without him - starting with Sunday's home clash against Western Sydney - will be a true test of their credentials.

"I suppose it shows you what kind of character we have as a football team - could we make lemonade out of lemons, as such?" O'Donovan told AAP

"He's one you didn't want to lose, especially since he was just starting to play well. He was finding his feet.

"It's frustrating for him and for us as a team but the positive signs are he'll be back in the new year and we've got a few players who can step in."

Coach Ernie Merrick is spoiled for choice as to who he moves into the No.10 role.

Dimitri Petratos, who played there at times last season for Brisbane, is likely but English import Wayne Brown is another option along with young gun Joey Champness.

"It's not an ideal situation, this early on in the season but it's an opportunity for someone to come in and make that position their own," O'Donovan said.

"We had some good players in the squad prior to Ronnie coming and I still believe that."

The Jets and Wanderers are both undefeated.

However Western Sydney have never lost in Newcastle, have a settled squad and Spanish stars Alvaro Cejudo and Oriel Riera are in sizzling touch.

"They've added flair and grit in the right areas," O'Donovan said.

STATS THAT MATTER

* Newcastle lead the league in total shots (42), shots on target (joint-highest, 14) and goals (9).

* The Wanderers are 5-2-0 against the Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium.

* Oriol Riera has scored at least one goal in each of his six top-flight games for the Wanderers thus far (four in three FFA Cup games, three in three A-League games).

Source: AAP