Marsaxlokk striker Andre Schembri could be ruled out of action for up to four months if it is confirmed that he has fractured an ankle.

Schembri cried out of the match yesterday after just 18 minutes and was replaced by Hibs striker Terence Scerri.

Sources close to the national team said yesterday the young striker had suffered an ankle injury but more tests were needed to determine the time he needs to get it healed.

Schembri will miss the Austria match in February but could be available for Fitzel once again in March. However, he would miss a good number of League matches for Marsaxlokk who are currently leading the championship.

Apart from the remaining matches in the first phase, Schembri might also miss some matches in the first round of the Championship Pool which starts on 3 March 2007.

Meanwhile striker Michael Mifsud, who was also substituted just before the interval, left the pitch after feeling a recurrence of an injury he suffered late in October while playing for Lillestrom in the Norwegian League.