Pacific FC announced on Wednesday that French centre-back Aly Ndom will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during Friday’s match.

Ndom went down in the first minute of Pacific’s game against Atlético Ottawa and had to be replaced by Christian Greco-Taylor. Further testing in the past few days confirmed that his injury is severe enough to keep him out for the rest of the year.

“Aly has unfortunately had his 2024 season come to an end,” said Pacific head coach James Merriman. “You cannot replace a player with his leadership qualities, ability and character on the field. Our group will need to give even more now in his absence on the field and our defenders will play for him each game.

“Off the field Aly is still our player, he’s part of our family. We have an excellent medical team and we will be with him every step of the way throughout his recovery.”

The 27-year-old Ndom is in his first season with Pacific after signing for the club from IFK Mariehamn in Finland. The native of Pontoise, France had started seven of Pacific’s eight games in all competitions so far this year, playing a key role in the backline. In fact, the club did not concede a single goal with Ndom on the pitch this season.

Pacific have placed Ndom on the inactive list, taking him off their primary roster and receiving salary cap relief, which also means he would be ineligible to play again at any point in the 2024 season. He signed a two-year guaranteed contract during the off-season, however, so he could return to the pitch in 2025.

The club also announced on Wednesday that Adonijah Reid and Sean Young, both of whom likewise exited Friday’s game in the first half due, did not suffer any serious injuries and have returned to training.

Pacific’s next match will be a crucial B.C. Derby contest at Vancouver FC this Saturday, May 25 (3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET).