Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald will miss four to six weeks with a knee injury sustained in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Leicester City, ruling him out of Australia's February 29 World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.
The Australian striker had scored in the clash with Leicester before injuring his knee in the second half and having to be replaced with 15 minutes to play.
Boro boss Tony Mowbray said: "He'll be out for four-to-six weeks and he's desperately disappointed in there."
McDonald has sustained a medial knee ligament injury which is a blow after his recent good form had boosted his Socceroos hopes.
The 28-year-old forward, who is yet to score an international goal in 25 appearances for his country, has netted eight times in his past 15 games for Boro.
McDonald scored his ninth goal of the season on Wednesday, when he nodded in from close range in the draw with Leicester.
Australia's match with Saudi Arabia is a dead rubber for the Socceroos who have already clinched qualification for the fourth and final round of World Cup qualifying through Asia.
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