Francisco Geraldes of Wellington Phoenix takes a shot at goal. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The struggling Wellington Phoenix have lost import Francisco Geraldes for the remainder of the season A-League season.
The Portuguese midfielder injured the meniscus in his left knee and will be sidelined for the next three months.
Geraldes joined the Phoenix in February on loan as the club searched for an attacking player who could help score more goals.
The 29-year-old had started the men's past five A-League matches, quickly showing his quality.
He provided the final pass for Kosta Barbarouses' equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Sydney FC last month before scoring his first goal for the club in the 2-2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers at Sky Stadium last Saturday.
The injury is a major setback for Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano.
"It's very disappointing because for a large part Chico's given us a different dimension," Italiano said.
"We were starting to build a bit of continuity and were starting to look very dangerous moving forward."
Italiano is keen to extend Geraldes' stay in the capital beyond this season.
"I think he'd be a great addition, not only to our team but the A-League in general.
"You can see what kind of skill he has. He's a great dribbler of the ball, he's very composed on the ball, he's not scared of taking players on and he can score.
"I'd love to have him next year. I think he'd be great. If we can make it happen, we'll make it happen, but unfortunately it's not straightforward.
"There's a lot of water to go under that bridge, but the intention is if I can make it happen I will make it happen."
The Phoenix have missed out on the finals of the A-League this season after being unable to back up from last season's semi-final finish.
On Sunday the 11th-placed Phoenix are away to 9th-placed Newcastle Jets.
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