FK Haugesund central defender Claus Niyukuri could be out for the rest of the season.

The Norway-based guardsman played just a minute in FK Haugesund 3-0 defeat to Stabaek onSunday as he awkwardly landed on the ground after he tore ligaments in his knee during an aerial duel with an opposing player.

"It happened quickly. I got a little push and landed on the ground badly. I felt right away something was wrong," said Niyukuri, who left the pitch in clutches as he could not walk on his own.

"It looks very disgusting, I was so sad when I saw the video."

"It&039;s crazy. I've only been here for four months. A knee injury is a serious matter. I fear that the cruciate ligament is torn," he added.

Niyukuri is expected to undertake a scan on Tuesday to know the extent of the damage to his ligaments and he might need immediate surgery.

He could be out for the rest of the 2023 Norwegian Eliteserien season.

This is the second time in two years that Niyukuri, who is eligible to play for Rwanda, Burundi and Norway, has suffered a similar injury as he tore the ligaments in his knee in 2021 while playing for Vard. The injury at the time kept him out for nine months.