ACL fears for Sydney FC star Brattan

Sydney FC’s FFA Cup triumph over Sydney Olympic on Wednesday has come at a cost with Luke Brattan suffering a suspected ACL injury.

The midfielder should receive scan results on Thursday evening after coming off at halftime in the 4-2 win at Belmore Sports Ground.

Brattan went down in agony late in the first half after colliding with teammate Patrick Yazbek and didn’t return for the second half.

If the serious knee injury is confirmed the 31-year-old’s season will be over, in what would be a huge blow to coach Steve Corica’s plans.

“He might have done his ACL … obviously it’s not very good if that’s the case and if he has that injury he’s out for the whole season,” Corica said after the victory.

“Fingers crossed it’s not that bad but if it is it’s very disappointing for him and the club.”

Brattan joined the Sky Blues in 2019 after stints with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City and was a part of Sydney’s double-winning team in 2020.

He has also won the FFA Cup in 2016 and is a three A-League champions during his time with the Roar.

Wednesday’s game was Brattan’s first of the new season, after missing the round one league derby with Western Sydney Wanderers due to suspension after being sent off in the 2020-21 grand final loss to City in June.

Brattan’s absence will put pressure on Paulo Retre and Anthony Caceres to fill the void with inexperienced youngsters Calem Nieuwenhof and Yazbek the other options in midfield for Corica.

The Sky Blues host Macarthur FC at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in their first home match of the season on Saturday.