The 26 year old had an MRI scan yesterday which revealed damage to the ACL graft in his left knee, the same one he had reconstructed back in 2006 which kept him out of the 2006/07 Season.

Adelaide United’s Vice-Captain suffered the injury in the Reds’ loss to the Central Coast Mariners last Saturday night in Gosford when he landed awkwardly and felt something go in his knee.

Following discussions with Adelaide United club doctor James Ilic, he indicated that Pantelis would go through a 4-6 week rehabilitation program before they make a final assessment on the extent of the injury.

“We are going to give him a trial rehab for 4-6 weeks and then we’ll look at it again to see if whether he will need a full knee reconstruction or can resume training,” Ilic said.

Sadly for Pantelis, who was United’s equal leading scorer in the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 Season, the setback will keep him out of next month’s FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

“Unfortunately Lucas will be out for at least 4-6 weeks and it is devastating for him and the club, because he worked exceptionally hard to get back from the knee injury he had a couple of years ago,” United Coach Aurelio Vidmar said.

“Hopefully we’ll see him back on the park in the near future.”

Ilic has had discussions with Pantelis’ surgeon on how to best manage Pantelis’ predicament, which is similar to what happened to United defender Cassio earlier this year. The Brazilian injured a knee that had already been reconstructed previously, and despite early signs that he would need a full knee reconstruction, he returned after a short recovery.

Pantelis will be hoping for a similar prognosis so that he can be part of United’s run towards the Hyundai A-League finals series.

This run starts on Saturday as The Reds go up against former Coach John Kosmina and Sydney FC at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday 22 November 2008 (Kick-Off 6.30pm ACDT). Tickets are available now through Venue*Tix.