Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has lost another player to injury after young midfielder Alex Rufer broke his leg playing for the Phoenix's reserve team on Sunday.
Rufer, 19, has played in four of the Phoenix's A-League matches this season but has also been playing in the ASB Premiership.
Hewas injured in a heavy tackle late in the Phoenix reserves' 3-2 loss to Team Wellington, fracturing the tibia of his right leg.
Further scans are still needed, but Rufer will need surgery and is expected to be out for the rest of the season.
Merrick is already juggling a spate of injuries to his defensive line-up.
Ben Sigmund and Justin Gulley are battling hamstring injuries, and right back Louis Fenton looks set for a stint on the sidelines after tearing ankle ligaments in Wellington's 1-1 draw with Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
Defender Tom Doyle will also miss next week's away match against Adelaide United after accumulating five yellow cards from seven games this season.
The Phoenix have a swathe of players on four yellow cards, including key midfielders Roly Bonevacia, Albert Riera and Alex Rodriguez.
