Emerton blows out his knee

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2 February 2009 | 20:50 - AAP

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Brett Emerton is pursued by Boro's Emanuel Pogatetz on the weekend (Getty)

Socceroos star Brett Emerton could be out of action for nine months after badly injuring his knee while playing for English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers.

Emerton badly damaged his cruciate ligament when he twisted his knee during Rovers' 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough on the weekend.

The Daily Mirror newspaper reported on Monday that the midfielder would head home to Australia for surgery, meaning he will have to miss Australia's crucial 2011 World Cup qualifier against Japan on February 11.

"The long-serving star will miss the survival fight and the start of the next season after the freak injury," the newspaper said.

"He has been given time off to go home and be with relatives while he recovers."

Emerton missed Australia's last World Cup qualifier against Bahrain due to a hamstring injury.

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