Auckland FC have confirmed club Captain Hiroki Sakai will be sidelined for up to five weeks with a hamstring injury.
The 35-year-old was withdrawn in the first half of Auckland’s 3-0 win over Melbourne City in Round 19, with scans subsequently confirming the worst.
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Now expected back at the beginning of April, Sakai will miss this weekend’s clash with Perth Glory at Go Media Stadium.
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Furthermore, the Japanese ace will also miss what is likely to be a top of the table showdown with the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on March 14.
The Black Knights then face top six hopefuls Macarthur Bulls on April 21 before then pausing for the FIFA International break.
Sakai has played 14 games so far this season, making 11 starts, but has previously missed several games this season due to another hamstring injury.
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Auckland head into this weekend’s clash with Perth Glory sat two points behind league leaders Newcastle Jets having won three of their last four matches.
However that gap could be as big as five points by the time Auckland FC kick off on Sunday given the Jets face the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday evening at McDonald Jones Stadium.
