SNS GroupHibernian star Martin Boyle will miss the rest of the season with an injury after scans revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
The Australia international was denied a World Cup dream when he was forced to withdraw from the Socceroos squad with an injury picked up against St Mirren in October.
And further scans in Qatar revealed the pre-existing ACL damage.
Hibs say the 29-year-old has since undergone surgery in Qatar and has begun his rehabilitation process.
Manager Lee Johnson said he was “gutted” for the player when the Easter Road club confirmed the news on Wednesday.
He said: “It has been a tough few week for Martin and we are all gutted for him.
“Now, it’s up to us to rally around him and make sure we support him on every level throughout his recovery.
“Short term – it is a big blow for us, but we will do everything we can to support Martin to make sure he comes back fitter, stronger and a better player than before, just like Kevin Nisbet has shown in his recovery.”
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