Melbourne City have been dealt a huge blow with winger Fernando Brandan likely to spend 12 months on the sidelines after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament.
Scans on Wednesday morning confirmed the A-League club's worst fears with the 26-year-old suffering the knee injury at training the previous day.
The earliest the Argentine could hope to return is towards the back end of the 2017-18 season.
He signed a two-year contract with City last year.
It's a cruel setback for City, who are locked in a tight battle with the Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory for a home final with five weeks to go in the regular season.
While it's expected the club will seek an injury replacement player, it could also open the door for Bruce Kamau and Nick Fitzgerald to play more A-League minutes.
Brandan has scored three goals and laid on three assists in 19 A-League appearances since joining City from Argentine top-flight club Temperley.
He has become a cult hero among City fans but has been heavily criticised for diving as well has his tendency to physically lash out at opponents.
He earned a two-match suspension after an ugly clash with the Glory defender Dino Djulbic in December.
