Wellington Phoenix midfielder Clayton Lewis sidelined with fractured kneecap

Wellington Phoenix will be without key midfielder Clayton Lewis for at least the next eight weeks, after scans revealed the All White suffered a fractured kneecap in their win over Central Coast Mariners.

Lewis sustained the injury when opposition forward Beni Nkololo took a heavy touch and landed awkwardly on his shin.

The incident occurred late in the first half but despite his brave attempt to play on, Lewis was hobbling and eventually had to be replaced early in the second half.

Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay said the exact timeframe for Lewis’s return was unknown at this stage but he was planning to be without his midfield general for at least the next eight weeks.

Lewis has been an influential member of the Phoenix team this season, featuring in all 13 games, including 12 as a starter.

He scored a cracking goal directly from a free-kick against Macarthur in round five.

“I’m disappointed for Clay. To be honest I’m gutted for him,” Talay said.

“I thought he was getting into some good form and he had created that partnership with Alex [Rufer] again in midfield so it’s a disappointing time for us as a team for Clay to be injured.

“What we need to focus on now is him healing and doing his rehab and getting himself back on the park.”

But while Lewis’s absence is an unfortunate setback for the in-form Phoenix after recording three wins on the bounce, they do have a ready-made replacement in Australian Steven Ugarkovic.

Ugarkovic was brought in to provide the Phoenix with more cover in central midfield after long-term injuries to Lewis and captain Alex Rufer left them light at the back end of last season.

Ugarkovic and Rufer are expected to pair up for Saturday’s Distance Derby clash with Perth Glory in Palmerston North, though Nicholas Pennington is another option.

Talay said they may also dip into the transfer market to find an injury replacement.

“I believe we have the best four sixes in the competition to be honest because we still have Nico and Stevie that can step in there and do a job,” he said.

“In these circumstances when things happen opportunities arise for other players and now it’s up to Stevie and Nico to come in and do a job.”

The Phoenix are playing in Palmerston North for just the second time with Sky Stadium unavailable due to an Ed Sheeran concert.