Melbourne Heart’s Beauchamp out for two weeks

Melbourne Heart defender Michael Beauchamp is set to be sidelined for two weeks with an ankle injury.

The 29-year old centre-half sustained the injury in the 3-2 loss to Adelaide United on Friday night and will be forced out of this Sunday’s clash with league leaders Perth Glory at AAMI Park.

Scans showed that the former Aalborg and Al-Jazira man may miss two weeks which would also keep him out of the round 5 fixture with North Queensland Fury and may even force him out of upcoming international friendlies with the Australian national team.

Heart football operations manager John Didulica admits it is a blow to the squad but gives another player an opportunity to press his claims for the first team after he was selected by new Socceroos boss Holger Osieck yesterday.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose a player of Michael’s quality, particular given the importance of continuity during this early stage of the season,” Didulica said.

“However, his absence will create an opportunity for another player to move into the void and stake his claim for a starting berth.”