Wellington Phoenix will be without All Whites midfielder Clayton Lewis for the rest of their 2021/22 A-League men's campaign, after an ankle injury suffered in the 2-1 victory over Perth Glory.
Lewis, 25, was stretchered from the field in his side's win at Sydney's Leichhardt Oval, staying down in apparent discomfort after a challenge.
Initially diagnosed as a dislocated ankle, the torn ligaments were revealed by MRI scans and will keep Lewis sidelined for at least 12 weeks, and could also require surgery.
Lewis' absence leaves the Phoenix short of options in central midfield, with captain Alex Rufer's season also ended by a knee injury earlier this year.
Lewis hopes to return to full fitness by June, in time for the All Whites' potential World Cup intercontinental playoff.
Should the All Whites defeat the Solomon Islands in Thursday's Oceania World Cup qualifying final, Danny Hay's side would face the fourth-placed side from CONCACAF (North & Central America, Caribbean) for a spot at Qatar 2022.
Costa Rica loom as likely opponents for the Oceania qualifiers, currently fourth placed with one round of matches to be played.
