Jefferson twisted his knee and collapsed in pain after attempting a change of direction during a ball exercise and had to be stretchered from the field in obvious distress.

A subsequent MRI scan revealed the 27-year-old has suffered a meniscal cartilage tear (bucket handle tear), an injury that is likely to keep the midfield schemer out for a lengthy period.

Gold Coast United Physiotherapist, David Battersby, said more will be known once the player speaks with a surgeon on Monday.

"It was a non-contact twisting injury at training that has resulted in a bucket handle meniscal tear of the cartilage in his left knee," he said. "He will consult with a surgeon on Monday to determine his options and the best possible treatment."

United coach Miron Bleiberg said the whole club was saddened by the injury and revealed the club may now looking for a  replacement player to bring in.

"We are all very, very disappointed for him but these things happen in football unfortunately," said Bleiberg. "He turned one way then the other, the next thing he was on the ground in obvious pain.

"We could tell right away that he was in trouble so he was stretchered off and taken to hospital for an MRI scan. The results showed that he has torn his cartilage so there are two solutions. One is that he has it removed, but he will probably suffer for that later in life.

"The other is to try and repair it, which will take longer but is in the best interests of the player. Obviously we will do whatever is right for Jefferson and ensure that he receives the best advice and treatment."

He added: "Potentially he will miss three or four months but we will know more when he sees the surgeon.

"We are now looking at the possibility of bringing in a replacement player because losing Jefferson for such a long period will be detrimental to our squad."