Adelaide United striker Eli Babalj is expected to miss the rest of the A-League season after suffering a serious knee injury in the 4-1 demolition of Brisbane Roar, the club has confirmed.
The forward replaced goalscorer Bruce Djite in the 81st minute, but was forced off the field five minutes later on a stretcher as replays indicated he landed awkwardly on his right leg jumping to win a header.
And the 23-year-old’s worst fears were verified with scans revealing Babalj ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will undergo surgery next week.
A statement on the club’s official website read: “The Adelaide United Football Club wishes Eli Babalj a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the football pitch.”
Update on Eli Babalj. Suspected knee injury but will get scans today in Adelaide. We will provide an update later. 🙏 #AUFC
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) January 23, 2016
Babalj, who is currently on loan from Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career and also sustained a foot complaint earlier this season – missing 11 consecutive games with the Reds.
Babalj returned to Australia, signing with Adelaide in an attempt to rejuvenate his stuttering career and regain much needed confidence following unsuccessful spells in the Netherlands and Serbia.
The ex-Melbourne Heart man has featured just five times in the league this campaign and will be hoping to return to playing football as soon as possible.
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