Brisbane Roar have been dealt a huge blow heading into the new A-League Men season, with confirmation central defender Dimitri Valkanis will be sidelined for a significant period of time after suffering a hamstring injury.
Valkanis is now set to be sidelined for an ‘extended period’ according to the club and has already begun his rehabilitation.
The young central defender picked up the injury during the club’s Australia Cup clash with Sydney FC back in August before then re-aggravating the same issue whilst preparing to return to full training.
Whilst December has been pinpointed as a possible return date, aleagues.com.au also understands Valkanis could well be sidelined until the new year due to the severity of the injury.
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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 21: Dimitri Valkanis of Brisbane competes during the round 22 A-League Men match between Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix at Suncorp Stadium, on March 21, 2026, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at the club from Greek side AEK Athens and featured prominently for the club, making 23 appearances in total whilst also scoring three goals.
As such, the club made the decision to make Valkanis’ move a permanent one in the off-season, with the central defender putting pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the Queensland club.
Former club captain Tom Aldred returned to the Roar during the off-season following a stint with Indian side Mohun Bagan and could well be paired with 18-year-old central defender Neslon Deng or fellow central defender Hosine Bility.
Brisbane Roar begin their A-League Men campaign in Matchweek 2 of the new season when the welcome Perth Glory to Suncorp Stadium on Friday, October 23.
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