Melbourne Victory captain Carl Valeri will miss the remainder of the Hyundai A-League season due to his inflammatory brain condition which has been affecting his balance.
Valeri has been doing low intensity training after taking time off but it is still too early for a return to full training with the team.
“It has been a frustrating time for me not being able to join my teammates on the pitch for the last few months,” Valeri said.
“The doctors have been happy with the progress I've been making, but they believe it's the best thing for me to take the right amount of time to recover fully.
“I'm grateful to the club for taking the view that they have and I look forward to returning on a fulltime basis and leading the team again.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Melbourne Victory and all the members and fans who have wished me well and respected my privacy during this time.”
Club doctor Krishant Naidu said that despite Valeri showing improvement, it is in his best interests to take more time away from the pitch.
"Carl developed incoordination and balance problems eight weeks ago. Extensive tests and specialist neurological reviews have determined an isolated inflammatory process affecting a small part of the brain. The exact cause of this inflammation is unknown," Naidu said.
"Carl's condition has continued to improve with treatment, but he has not recovered sufficiently to be able to return to football training.
"As such he will be unavailable for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League season. The inflammation remains isolated and continues to decrease in size.
"We are optimistic that Carl will continue to make a full recovery. This is expected to take a few months.
"Carl will continue his rehabilitation under supervision and devote his energies to his recovery."
