Amaral suffered the injury during Perth’s round 10 win against Wellington at Members Equity Stadium and it was hoped that the small tear would heal with rest.

He appeared to have improved but aggravated the injury again during a light training session a fortnight ago.

And after more scans, club medical staff decided he needed minor surgery to ensure a full recovery.

“It’s very disappointing because he is a quality player and his experience and professionalism has been a big boost for the club on the park,” Coach Dave Mitchell said.

“He’s a big game player, the sort of player that can make things happen and turn a game.

"He’ll be missed but it gives other players the opportunity to step-up and since Amaral has been out we’ve been able to cover for him and create a midfield combination that is working well.”

The former Brazilian International is widely regarded as one of the standout recruits of the Hyundai A-League and showed his class in seven starts for Perth.

A hamstring strain earlier in the season saw him spend several matches on the sidelines but the time he did spend on the pitch was punctuated with sublime skill and a fierce determination to win.

Capped 31 times by his country, Amaral has enjoyed a stellar career in top flight football, playing for some of the world’s great clubs including Palmeiras, Benfica and Fiorentina.

While his contract with Perth expires at the end of this season, Glory fans might not have seen the last of the diminutive midfielder in purple.

“The surgery is something that needs to be done and was a decision made with the view that Amaral still has some quality years ahead as a player, his welfare was a top priority and we wish him a speedy recovery,” Mitchell said.

“We’ll have a closer look at how he recovers after the operation but there is no doubting his ability and the influence he had for the club.

"He loves Perth and wants to play a role in helping Glory be a title contender and we’ll make an assessment on his future at the club later down the track.

“The prognosis is good, the surgery will fix the problem and the doctors are confident he’ll be back better than ever.”

After two-thirds of the season complete Perth sit in seventh place, five points from a finals spot. Glory are set to embark on a two match road trip starting this weekend against Wellington and then Sydney the following week.

Key defender Hayden Foxe continues to make steady progress following surgery to remove a lump from his leg. Tests revealed the mass to be benign and Foxe has been given the all clear to resume training.

Argentinean midfielder Adrian Trinidad is expected to be fit after receiving a knock to his ankle in the club’s 3-1 win over Melbourne while Wayne Srhoj has shrugged off a shoulder complaint to be ready for the clash against the Phoenix on Saturday.