Macarthur FC attacker Bernardo Oliveira will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League season after rupturing his Achilles.
Bernardo is set for an extended stint on the sidelines, with the Australian young gun to undergo surgery on his injured Achilles after scans confirmed the worst.
The 19-year-old sensation only completed a January switch from Adelaide United, and he had scored three goals in four Isuzu UTE A-League matches before sustaining the injury.
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Bernardo has impressed since moving to Macarthur, with Bulls head coach Mile Sterjovski touting the teenager for Europe after a brace against Melbourne City in Round 19.
“He’s been quality since he’s come. He’s shown his quality. He’s fit in really well with the boys and the way we want to play,” he told reporters.
“Really pleased with his performance and for his two goals. He definitely has a bright future ahead of him.”
Bernardo – the son of Adelaide United legend Cassio – parted ways with the Reds following the mutual termination of his contract in January.
He had initially signed for the South Australian outfit in 2021, and featured in 39 matches across all competitions, scoring five goals.
However, Bernardo wanted to pursue another opportunity and opted to link up with Sterjovski’s in-form Bulls.
“It’s great to boost a squad with that sort of calibre. It pushes the other players as well,” said Sterjovski.
“A good quality young player like that needs someone to believe in him and give him game time. As long as he keeps working hard, he’ll get the minutes.
“He has a bright future. If he keeps working hard, I dare say he won’t be in the country for too long if he keeps performing like that.”
