Auckland FC defender Nando Pijnaker is facing up to a month on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.
The Isuzu UTE A-League leaders said Pijnaker is expected to return in three to four weeks after scans confirmed a moderate grade ankle injury.
Pijnaker rolled his right ankle and was forced from the field in Auckland’s 2-1 win over Macarthur Bulls in Round 17.
The 25-year-old New Zealand international has been a mainstay in Auckland’s historic debut season, playing in all 15 matches so far.
Auckland are already without Championship-winner centre-back Dan Hall, who is recovering from a broken ankle.
The Black Knights have the bye in Round 18 but return to action with a trip to high-flying Western United on February 15.
