Wellington Phoenix midfielder Clayton Lewis is facing an extended stint on the sidelines after fracturing his kneecap.
Lewis suffered a fractured patella following a challenge with Central Coast Mariners’ Beni N’Kololo in Wellington’s 2-1 win in the Isuzu UTE A-League last week.
It is a blow for the in-form Phoenix ahead of their game against resurgent Perth Glory on Saturday.
“Timeframe is unknown – it could be eight weeks, 10 weeks or 12 weeks,” Phoenix head coach Ufuk Talay told reporters on Friday.
“Disappointed for Clay, gutted for him. I thought he was getting into good form.
“Disappointing time for us as a team for Clay to be injured.”
Lewis hurt his knee in the opening half against the Mariners, but continued to play at Sky Stadium.
He emerged for the second half before succumbing to the issue within six minutes of the restart.
Lewis was seen on crutches after Wellington’s third consecutive victory.
“We always go off the player at the end of the day. The player is the one with the knock,” Talay added.
“At half-time, he was assessed and said he was okay to continue. Obviously, it got too sore where we had to take him off.
“A very important player for us and we’re upset he won’t be involved for the next few games.”