Glory lose Thwaite for a month

Perth Glory have suffered a major blow with defender Michael Thwaite set to miss the next 3-4 weeks after scans revealed a tear in his right calf muscle today.

Thwaite felt a pop in his right calf while standing a few metres away from his nearest opponent in the second half of last night’s 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers at Patersons Stadium.

He was immediately replaced by Nick Ward, who scored an 87th minute equaliser to earn Glory a share of the points.

Thwaite played a key role for a second-string Socceroos side in the successful East Asian Cup qualifying campaign earlier this month and will leave a major hole in the centre of defence.

“He’s been a rock at the back for us and him and Bas (van den Brink) have been great all season,” Glory coach Ian Ferguson said.

“Missing his experience is going to be a blow.”

Thwaite left the arena on crutches after last night’s game and will be replaced by Steve Pantelidis for the game away to league leaders Central Coast Mariners on Monday.