Adelaide United midfielder Nathan Konstandopoulos faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing a knee ligament in training.
The South Australian club confirmed the 23-year-old went down with an isolated anterior cruciate ligament rupture while preparing for the Reds’ clash with Brisbane Roar in Queensland on Saturday.
Konstandopoulos has featured in nine Hyundai A-League matches in 2019/20, making two starts for Gertjan Verbeek’s fifth-placed side.
The local product has played in 53 senior matches since his first-team debut in March 2014 and scored his third Hyundai A-League goal during the epic 4-3 victory at Western United.
Reds Director of Football, Bruce Djite, admitted it was a ‘devastating blow’ for Konstandopoulos and the midfielder will now see a surgeon before deciding the next course of action.
“Nathan had scans on his knee yesterday and they have confirmed he has suffered an isolated ACL rupture,” Djite told adelaideunited.com.au
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“With the surgeon’s advice, we will determine what the best next steps are and go from there.
“This is a devastating blow to Nathan and his teammates; all football staff and the entire Club feels for him during this very challenging time.
“Nathan is a talented footballer and a strong individual with fantastic character, so I know for sure he will come through this challenge and be back better than ever.
“It will be a long and difficult road, but he will have the full support of everyone at Adelaide United throughout his recovery.”
😔 Everyone at #AUFC will support Nathan through the recovery process. 🙏❤️https://t.co/SylPx7Oilk
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) February 6, 2020
Round 18
Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
Saturday, 8 February 2020
Kick-off: 6.30pm local, 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
