Melbourne Victory’s A-League title hopes have suffered a hammer blow, with Spanish star Juan Mata suffering a potentially season-ending broken elbow.
Former Manchester United and Chelsea star Mata, who has been the A-League’s best player this season, suffered the injury in the Victory’s 1-0 home loss to Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
Despite the injury, which he suffered in the first-half of Victory’s defeat, Mata – who turns 38 later this month – played on until being replaced in the 88th minute.
Subsequent scans revealed a fracture, and the 2010 World Cup winner was due to have surgery on Tuesday.
With only three weeks of the regular season remaining before next month’s finals series, Mata faces a race against time to play again in Victory’s 2025-26 campaign.
Victory coach Arthur Diles tried to remain optimistic about Mata’s chances of returning before the end of the season.
“It is disappointing to be without Juan through injury, but our priority as Melbourne Victory is supporting his recovery in every way we can,” Diles said.
“We remain hopeful of him rejoining the team during the 2025-26 season.”
Fourth-placed Victory’s loss to Wellington all but ended the club’s hopes of winning the premiership.
However, Diles’ men remain entrenched in the top-six and are still in contention to claim the championship in the finals series.
Playmaker Mata – who was barely used by Western Sydney Wanderers last season – has been superb for Victory since joining the Melbourne club, leading the A-League this season in assists with 13, as well as scoring five goals.
