The Wellington Phoenix midfielder Lucas Pantelis will miss the entire A-League football season through injury.
Pantelis suffered the injury in the side's recent pre-season match against the Central Coast Mariners in Tauranga and and it was initially thought he'd be out for up to six weeks.
However scans have shown he's ruptured ligaments and will need surgery.
Pantelis moved to the Phoenix this season from Adelaide United on a two year deal.
He has injured the same knee twice previously, missing the 2006 season and much of the 2008 season.
The Phoenix are also without striker Mirjan Pavlovic who broke his arm at training last week.
The Phoenix kick off their A-League season against Gold Coast United on Sunday.
