National women football’s star striker Sabitra Bhandari will be out of action for around a year.

The 25-year-old Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club player had picked injuries during National Women’s League fixture against Nepal Police Club on Monday. She sustained a right knee injury while landing and was substituted in the 79th minute.

MRI scans revealed that the forward sustained a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. According to Bhandari, doctors have told her that she would be out of action for nine months. “The doctors have told me that I need a knee surgery,” said Bhandari.

The injury to Bhandari is a huge blow to the APF, who are a match away from lifting the title, and the national team. Bhandari is the highest scorer in the ongoing league with 43 goals in her name.

Bhandari, who marked her debut for the national team in 2014 Women’s SAFF Championship, is also the record scorer in the national jersey with 38 goals. “The injury is a huge setback for the national women’s team. ANFA will promptly take action for her treatment and rehabilitation.”

Not only Nepali coaches, foreign coaches and players also consider Bhandari to be one of the best women forwards in South Asia. Bangladesh’s coach Golam Rabbani Chhoton referred to her as the “best forward of South Asia” during the 2019 Women’s SAFF Championship held in Biratnagar.

APF, who are close to the league title, are one win away from the trophy. APF could lift the title if they beat Biratnagar Metropolitan City in their penultimate match on Wednesday.