The A-League club said Cirio was “shockingly fouled” by Clisby in the opening 53 seconds of the Wanderers’ come-from-behind 2-1 victory at Coopers Stadium on Friday.

Spaniard Cirio tried to play on but was substituted after just 11 minutes, with scans later revealing an injury to the medial ligament in his right knee.

Clisby escaped with only a yellow card, one of two possible red-card challenges overlooked by referee Shaun Evans on the night – along with a second-half incident involving matchwinner Brendon Santalab on midfielder James Holland, who said on yesterday he felt “lucky” his leg wasn’t broken.

It is a bitter blow for Adelaide to lose Cirio, a consistent contributor since his arrival in the country and a key part of last season’s grand final-winning team.

The 31-year-old only just returned from a fractured fibula he suffered during the pre-season, with concerns his latest setback could put him out for at least two months of action.

Clisby today reached out to Cirio over the incident, insisting “there was no malice in the tackle”.

“It was just one of those things – it’s a big game and I’m looking to impress,” Clisby said.

“I do wish Cirio all the best. I did message him last night wishing him a speedy recovery. It was never intentional to hurt the player. He appreciated the text.”

Starting at left back against at Coopers Stadium, the 24-year-old Clisby was playing his first game in Wanderers colours since shifting from Melbourne City over the winter.

He said he wanted to make a strong first impression on coach Tony Popovic.

“Not in that sort of way though. In playing good football. I feel I did have some good impact on the game. It was a great result for the team as well,” he said.

“I was really excited. Was just keen to get out there and give it my best. I knew i was ready, I just had to wait for my opportunity and it came around. I feel I took it.”

-AAP