NEC defender Jacob Okao is not expected to return from an Achilles tendon rupture until next season.
Okao suffered the season ending injury in a 2-2 draw with Police FC on Saturday at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
The club has confirmed the player has gone a successful surgery at Case Clinic on Monday with the club confirming he will be out for 6-12 months.
“Our defender Jacob Okao has successfully undergone a surgery at Case Clinic after sustaining an Achilles tendon rupture. He is expected to be out for 6-12 months as he begins his recovery journey,” a club statement read.
That leaves the club with Ibrahim Kiyemba, Warren Bbuule and David Bayiga as the centre back options.
Meanwhile, there are reports by Swift Sports that head coach Hussein Mbalangu has been suspended by the club for two months following his participation in the Masaza Cup as coach at Ssingo.
James Odoch will take charge as the interim head coach in the meantime starting with the clash against Entebbe UPPC on Saturday in Bugonga.