Marquee player was injured in a friendly match on Sunday.
Melbourne Heart have confirmed that marquee signing Orlando Engelaar sustained a fractured leg during Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Brisbane Roar.
The 34-year-old was carried off in the 28th minute following a heavy coming-together with Roar star Thomas Broich with the initial prognosis of a bruised shin, only for Heart’s worst fears to be realised upon his arrival at hospital, the Sydney Morning Herald report.
A lengthy spell on the sidelines now awaits the former PSV star and it’s likely that he will miss a large chunk of the 2013/14 A-League season as he begins the road to recover by flying back to Melbourne next Monday for further assessment by club medical staff.
It certainly comes as a blow to coach John Aloisi, who has been searching for player in the Engelaar mould to anchor his midfield next term and it’s unclear whether he will dip his toes back into the transfer market.
Among the slew of well-wishers passing on their regards to the Dutchman was Central Coast Mariners midfielder Marcos Flores.
Thanks Marcos 🙂 “@MarcosFlores85: I am wishing to Orlando Engelaar a good recovery and positive energy to cross difficult times…”
— Melbourne Heart FC (@MelbourneHeart) August 27, 2013
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