Auckland FC defender Francis De Vries will be sidelined for up to six weeks after injuring his calf whilst on international duty.
Currently on international duty with New Zealand, De Vries suffered the injury during the first half of the All Whites’ recent friendly clash with Finland at Eden Park.
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De Vries was then absent from New Zealand’s impressive 4-1 win over Chile on Monday afternoon with Auckland subsequently confirming their star defender is now set to miss the remainder of the Isuzu UTE A-League regular season and potentially the finals series due to a calf strain.
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“The injury means Francis will miss the remainder of the regular A-League season but there are hopes he could make a potential return for the semi-finals,” said a statement on Auckland’s website.
“Wishing you the best in your recovery, Franny, Auckland cannot wait to have you back out on the pitch.”
Having shone in his first season in the Isuzu UTE A-League, De Vries has once again been a mainstay for the Black Knights this season.
Francis de Vries of Auckland FC
Starting all 22 of Auckland’s matches this campaign, De Vries has one goal and seven assists to his name, with only Melbourne Victory star Juan Mata ahead of him when it comes to both assists (13) and chances created.
Furthermore, De Vries also ranks top in the league when it comes to ‘Big Chances Created’ (14) and expected assists (xA) with a rating of 7.9.
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De Vries now joins injured Captain Hiroki Sakai on the treatment table, with the Japanese legend currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Currently sat second on the Isuzu UTE A-League ladder and four points behind league leaders Newcastle Jets, Auckland will now be without De Vries for their remaining regular season fixtures against Adelaide United (A), Melbourne Victory (H), Central Coast Mariners (H) and Sydney FC (A).
