Melbourne Victory's high-profile recruit Luis Nani will miss the rest of the A-League Men season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
The former Manchester United and Portugal star suffered the injury in a clash of legs with Brisbane Roar's Connor Chapman during Victory's 1-0 defeat on Friday night.
- Subscribe to ESPN AU/NZ's football podcasts
- The Far Post | The National Curriculum | More
Scans have since confirmed Victory's worst fears.
"We're all disappointed for Luis," Victory coach Tony Popovic said in a club statement.
"Luis has been a big influence around the club through his leadership and experience, and he will be an incredible loss for our squad.
"The entire club will rally around Luis and will support him through his recovery."
Nani was a massive signing for Victory ahead of the ALM season but has failed to find the net in nine appearances.
The 36-year-old's injury is a further blow in a troubled season for Victory, who sit second-last after three straight losses.
The club is also still awaiting full sanctions from Football Australia over last month's violent pitch invasion during the abandoned Melbourne Derby.
