Subway Socceroos captain Maty Ryan underwent surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone, his club AZ Alkmaar announced on Monday evening (AEDT).
The 86-time capped Socceroos goalkeeper suffered the head injury during a workout on Sunday and required stitches.
A statement on AZ's website confirmed Ryan will be sidelined for several weeks after undergoing surgery and now is in a race against time to be ready for Australia's impending AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign next month.
Ryan, himself, took to social media thanking fans for their support and alluded to being back sooner rather than later.
"The Australian international has now undergone surgery for a fractured cheekbone and will be sidelined for several weeks," AZ said.
Ryan has been integral behind the Dutch side's strong form in the Eredivisie 2023/24 season with the team currently in equal third on the table.
The 31-year-old has played every minute in all 24 appearances across all competitions this campaign, keeping an impressive 10 clean sheets in the process.
Ryan has also kept three consecutive shutouts in his previous three matches with the Green and Gold, and will be hopeful of a return for Asia's premier tournament.
