As coach Markus Babbel feared last week, Janjetovic, 31, will be sidelined for the next six months after a recurring rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder.

The goalkeeper suffered from the tear during the Wanderers 2018/19 campaign and the injury has proven resistant to rehabilitation and injection treatment options, said the club.

Janjetovic will now undergo surgery and is looking forward to getting back to his best.

“It’s obviously a very disappointing outcome but I will be fighting to get back to my best form,” said Janjetovic.

“The road to recovery starts after my surgery and I will be on the sidelines supporting the team over the next few months.”

Wanderers last month signed new Swiss keeper Daniel Lopar, 34, who has already been given the number one jersey after Janjetovic often erratic displays between the sticks last season.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said Janjetovic would have the club’s full support during his recovery.

“It’s very disappointing that we will be without Vedran for the next couple of months, especially ahead of our return to Wanderland,” said Tsatsimas today.

“We will be providing Vedran with our full support both on and off the field to aid in his recovery.”