Wellington Phoenix striker Oskar Zawada is in serious doubt to return for the side's final push for a maiden A-League title after a fresh injury setback.
The star player's thigh injury, suffered against the Newcastle Jets in December, is worse than first feared.
Coach Giancarlo Italiano said another scan revealed a bit of growth in the contusion.
"At the moment, we're trying to manage it."
It's an unusual case, with new bone growing in Zawada's thigh as his body attempted to heal from the original injury.
The 28-year-old has scored five goals in 10 appearances following on from his tally of 15 last season.
"At the moment, I have him ruled out for the rest of the season," Italiano said.
"It really depends on the next two weeks, whether he can get functionality in the area where he copped the knock."
A semi-final return was not off the cards, Italiano said, but he was "really unsure".
"I'm planning without him at this stage."
While the Phoenix have managed to lead the league without Zawada, his goal threat would have been an added bonus coming into the business end of the season.
It is possible the Polish star may have played his final game for the Phoenix with his contract up at the end of the season.
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