Melbourne Heart FC can confirm dynamic winger Mate Dugandzic will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after fracturing a bone in his foot.

Melbourne Heart FC can confirm dynamic winger Mate Dugandzic will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking his foot against Adelaide United on Saturday.

Dugandzic was removed on the hour mark for David Williams after a sturdy challenge with United-s left-back Cassio and scans post-match revealed that Heart-s number 23 suffered a fractured metatarsal in the tackle.

Following the initial scans, Dugandzic has been ruled out for between 8-12 weeks, but further scans could change the original prognosis.

The loss is a big blow for Heart, with Dugandzic having shown his attacking presence and prowess on the right flank, contributing two assists and providing service to Heart-s front men from the flank so far this season.

Head Coach John Aloisi has a number of players, including David Williams, GolGol Mebrahtu, Ben Garuccio and Richard Garcia, that he can utilise in Dugandzic-s position.