Central Coast Mariners boss Lawrie McKinna said everyone at the club is ‘gutted’ for the 27-year-old and everything will be done to ensure he gets the best rehabilitation possible.

Elrich has already seen a chunk of his career wiped out by a knee injury and McKinna cannot believe how lightning has struck twice - albeit a different knee.

McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com today : “Ahmad is going for scans today but we’re pretty well 100 per cent sure he’s done his cruciate.

“During the game I looked up and he was holding the back of his knee. At first I thought he’d done his hamstring but now we could be looking at seeing him out for nine months or so.

“He caught his studs in the turf and the knee just twisted.

“We’re all gutted for the boy, he was getting better with each game. But he’ll have done what needs to be done and then we’ll get him on the rehab path and look forward to having him back next season.”

Elrich’s long-term absence opens the door for an injury replacement and McKinna said: “We’ll look at that this week – getting an attacking midfielder – but I’ve no-one specific in mind right at this moment.”

The injury cast a shadow over an otherwise excellent match for the Mariners as they enjoyed a 4-2 win against Queensland Roar on Sunday.

McKinna said: “I didn’t think we were that far away from where we needed to be in the first two games of the season to be honest.

"Queensland Roar had put Adelaide under a lot of pressure last week but I thought we contained them well.

“Scoring four goals away from home was very pleasing. Matty Simon had scored but we took him off as a precaution after he’s booked. You bring on a substitute (Dylan Macallister) and he goes and gets you another couple of goals.

“Dylan scored two terrific goals and then what a thumper from Mile Jedinak for his free-kick.”

Meanwhile, McKinna confirmed Dean Heffernan is back in a cast after a fresh crack was found in the leg he shattered against Sydney FC last season.

The defender will remain in the cast for four weeks with roughly the same period needed for rehab. “It’s another blow and the squad is being tested,” said McKinna.