Sydney FC will be without one of its most explosive stars for the next two months, with goal-scoring midfielder, Brendon Santalab ruled out for up to 8-weeks with a shoulder injury.

Sydney FC will be without one of its most explosive stars for the next two months, with goal-scoring midfielder, Brendon Santalab ruled out for up to 8-weeks with a shoulder injury.

The 26-year-old will undergo surgery this-afternoon to repair cartilage damage to his right shoulder, suffered when he fell heavily in a challenge shortly after half-time in Saturday-s 2-0 win over the Melbourne Victory.

While disappointed to be sidelined, Santalab is focused on his rehabilitation and returning in time to help Sydney take the Hyundai A-League title.

“It-s unfortunate but that-s football,” he said. “The positive thing is that I will be fit to play again this season, so I-m just concentrating on my recovery and doing everything I can to help the boys until I-m ready to get back on the field.”

After an outstanding performance against Melbourne, the remaining members of the Sydney squad will back in action this-Saturday night against the Central Coast Mariners at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The highly-anticipated Hyundai A-League blockbuster kicks-off at the SFS at 7pm.