<
>

Wanderers breathe sigh of relief with Duke cleared of ACL damage

Mitchell Duke has been cleared of ACL damage, but a knee injury will sideline the Western Sydney Wanderers forward for up to two months.

Duke was injured in a preseason game on the Gold Coast on Thursday.

The damage to his left knee occurred during the Wanderers' friendly against Gold Coast Knights and he was taken off in the 40th minute.

- Taylor named new Wellington Phoenix captain
- Nabbout joins Kruse as Victory strengthen for new season
- Suwon Bluewings sign Antonis from Melbourne Victory

"Scans taken in western Sydney last night revealed Duke will likely to be sidelined for between six to eight weeks," said a statement issued by the Wanderers on Saturday.

It was suggested on social media on Friday that Duke may have suffered an ACL injury, but he took to Twitter on Saturday to allay fears.

"The amount of worried messages I was receiving was just amazing and appreciate everyone's support," Duke posted.

"Massive relief not an ACL! Be back ready for the season to start."

The injury rules him out of the early stages of the FFA Cup, starting with the Wanderers' round of 32 FFA Cup match away to Perth Glory on Aug. 7.

Barring any unforeseen setbacks, he should be on schedule to return before the start of the new A-League season in October.