New Melbourne City recruit Jack Hendry has suffered a setback, requiring surgery for a knee injury.
Hendry has made just two appearances for City since joining the club on loan in January from Scottish champions Celtic.
But his promising start to life in Melbourne suffered a blow as he tore the medial collateral ligament in Saturday night’s loss to Adelaide United.
The club confirmed Hendry underwent surgery on his injured knee on Tuesday and is set for an indefinite period on the sidelines, although they are confident he will return before the end of the campaign.
"Scans on Monday revealed the Celtic loanee had fully ruptured the ligament," City’s statement said.
PREVIEW: City v Victory in Friday's Melbourne Derby
NEWS: City's Delbridge learns fate from MRP
"The defender will go under the knife on Tuesday as he looks to complete his recovery at CFA Melbourne and make a return in the latter stages of the season."
Hendry, 24, suffered the injury in the final moments of the 3-1 loss to the Reds at Coopers Stadium.
The Scottish international got his right knee stuck in the turf as he battled for possession with the Reds’ Riley McGree.
Hendry’s absence is a further blow to City’s defensive stocks, with Harrison Delbridge slapped with a two-game ban for his red card on the weekend.
City have little time to lick the wounds with a clash against rivals Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Friday night.
HOW TO WATCH: All the action in Round 18
MORE: Cameron Devlin named January Nominee for Young Footballer of the Year
Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory
Friday, 7 February 2020
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park
