The 31-year-old won’t return until November after surgery to correct a hip problem.
Perth Glory will be without injured striker Shane Smeltz for the start of the A-League season after he was ruled out for three months.
The New Zealand international recently underwent surgery to fix a troublesome hip problem and is expected to be absent until November at the latest, although it’s thought he will commence light training after eight weeks convalescence.
Despite losing his leading forward for the opening weeks of the 2013/14 campaign Glory coach Alistair Edwards insists it was necessary for Smeltz to go under the knife and fix the complaint once and for all.
“He’s had it for a little while and we thought having the rest over the pre-season would alleviate the problem,” Edwards told The World Game.
“So when they went in and had the surgery, they did a bit of extra stuff as well. Long term it’s good for Shane and the club. Short term not very good.
“But it’s a great opportunity for younger players to get some game time and experience.”
Perth open their season on 13 October by hosting Adelaide United at the nib Stadium before a trip to Newcastle Jets and a home match with Melbourne Heart.
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