Cape Town City has confirmed a significant setback for new signing Carlinhos, who will miss the entire first half of the season.

The midfielder was absent from the MTN8 victory over Sekhukhune United last weekend, with the cause of his absence unclear at the time.

The club has now revealed that Carlinhos suffered a serious knee injury requiring surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. “Carlinhos has suffered a knee injury, which will see him miss the first half of the season. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Carlinhos,” the club stated on Friday.

The Angolan midfielder, whose full name is Carlinhos Carlos Sténio Fernandes Guimarães do Carmo, joined City from Angolan giants Petro de Luanda during the of the season.

The 29-year-old is a product of Petro de Luanda’s youth academy and has previously played for GD Inter Clube, Young Africans, and Sagrada Esperanca.

Eric Tinkler’s City, who have been active in the transfer market, are currently without a center forward following the departure of Khanyisa Mayo. However, the club has brought in Hashim Domingo, Kayden Francis, Fortune Makaringe, Lefa Aphane, and Ayanda Sithole.