Brisbane Roar captain Matt Smith will miss the remainder of the Hyundai A-League season after having surgery on his hip.
After consulting a surgeon on Monday, it was decided that an operation on Smith's hip labrum tear was the best option.
The captain's last appearance for Roar was in the 1-0 loss against Newcastle in mid-January.
"I am bitterly disappointed to be out for the rest of the season," Smith said.
"I am still confident the rest of the boys can finish off the season well and I'm now firmly focused on working hard in my recovery."
Smith's rehabilitation is expected to take three-to-four months, ruling him out of the remainder of Brisbane's league campaign.