Perth Glory A-League midfielder James Robinson is set to spend the next 10 weeks on the sidelines after succumbing to a niggling groin injury.
Robinson, who injured his groin on the eve of the season but made a successful return to the side in round four, pulled up sore from Friday night's 4-1 loss to Central Coast.
Scans revealed he had damaged the conjoint tendon in his right side, with the club deciding surgery would be the best course of action.
Robinson's injury is a massive blow to the Glory, who are still without the services of star Brazilian midfielder Amaral (hamstring).
"It's unfortunate. He got an injury at the start of the season and credit to him he came back and tried to play," coach Dave Mitchell said.
"He ran his guts out for a couple of games and he feels it so much, so it's best he gets in and gets it operated on and gets it fixed as soon as possible.
"Hopefully he will come back towards the end of the season.
"We can't seem to get a trick at the minute, whether it's injuries or suspensions."
Mitchell said Naum Sekulovski was likely to fill the midfield void left by Robinson.
