Stefan Colakovski will miss the remainder of the Wellington Phoenix’s 2024-25 A-League season.
The Australian forward ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at Phoenix training on Sunday morning and requires surgery, putting him out of action for at least nine months.
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Colakovski joined the Nix on a one-year deal in October, 10 days out from the start of the current season and has featured in Wellington’s past six A-League matches as a second half substitute.
The 24-year-old, who has previously played for Melbourne City and the Perth Glory, came on between the 60th and 76th minutes in all six contests. He failed to register a shot in 137-plus minutes of action.
“We all feel for Cola,” Italiano said. “He’s fitted seamlessly into the squad and has become a popular member of the dressing room in no time.
“We were also starting to see glimpses of what he was capable of on the pitch as he got up to speed following his late arrival.
“We wish Cola all the best with his rehab and we’re sure he’ll come back stronger than ever.”
The sixth-placed Phoenix are away to Western Sydney Wanderers, sitting 10th, on Sunday (kick-off 7pm NZ Time), while A-League leaders Auckland FC host eighth-placed Western United at Go Media Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 5pm).