Manchester City Women's record signing Jill Roord is out for the season after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The midfielder, who cost City £300,000 in the summer, injured her knee during Wednesday's Continental Cup win over Manchester United.
Roord has scored six goals in 11 Women's Super League games since her move from German club Wolfsburg.
A statement from City read: "Jill will remain under the care of City's medical team and will begin her rehabilitation.
"Everyone at City wishes her a full and speedy recovery."
Roord is the latest casualty in women's football to suffer from ACL setbacks. Chelsea striker Sam Kerr was the most recent high-profile case of players suffering the serious knee injury.
Last year, a total of 37 international players missed the Women's World Cup due to ACL injuries, including England captain Leah Williamson and attacker Beth Mead.
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