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The A-League career of former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff may be cut short after scans showed that he ruptured a tendon in his calf playing for Melbourne City. The 35-year-old limped out of last Saturday's 0-0 draw at Wellington Phoenix with strained ankle ligaments. But a full medical check this week revealed another, more serious injury. Duff joined Melbourne City on a one-year deal at the beginning of the season and has been one of the club's most consistent performers, scoring one goal and providing five assists. City have refused to comment on Duff's future until the 2002 World Cup star undergoes further tests on his calf. "Damien is a big part of our game plan,'' coach John van't Schip told Fox Sports after the game against Wellington. "He said he felt something snap and then he couldn't walk or put any pressure on it. That's not a good sign." Former Newcastle Jets defender Kew Jaliens could join City on an injury-replacement deal, after his termination with the Hunter Valley club was finalised on Monday. If the move goes ahead, Jaliens could become a defensive partner of Singapore international Safuwan Baharudin, who joined Melbourne City on-loan last month. City are already without Young Socceroo Ben Garuccio (ankle) and forward James Brown (knee). But Socceroo midfielder Erik Paartalu could return for Sunday'S home clash with A-League leaders, Perth Glory. The Melbourne club sit in seventh position, one point outside the top six.
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