Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Wes Hoolahan will be out of action until the New Year.
His club Newcastle Jets have confirmed the 37-year-old has undergone surgery in Sydney after suffering 'major ligament and cartilage damage' to his right ankle.
The veteran play-maker suffered the injury in the Jets' loss to Adelaide in the Australian Cup quarter-finals last week and the club says he'll be out for an 'extended period'.
Following surgery today, Newcastle Jets can confirm that Wes Hoolahan is set to spend an extended period on the sideline with a badly injured ankle #MadeOfNewcastle
📰 https://t.co/R2BOB9E7dr pic.twitter.com/2pOekiuI4u
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ (@NewcastleJetsFC) September 23, 2019
“Scans taken in the following days have shown the Irishman suffered major ligament and cartilage damage throughout his right ankle.
"Hoolahan underwent surgery in Sydney on Monday, and will now begin the rehabilitation phase of his recovery.
“Estimated return to play timeframes will be established by the club’s medical staff in consultation with the surgeon.
“But it is expected that Hoolahan won’t feature in the Hyundai A-League until the new year.”
Hoolahan signed a one-year contract with the Jets this summer after turning down a deal with Cambridge United, he's scored one goal so far in his spell 'Down Under'.