St. Etienne striker Robert Beric has knee surgery, sidelined long term

St. Etienne and Slovenian international attacker Robert Beric is poised for a long-term layoff following an operation for a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The loss is a big blow for both Les Verts and the Slovenian national side, who are behind by two goals to Ukraine with the Euro 2016 qualification return leg scheduled for Tuesday in Ljubljana.

Beric, 24, was injured during a feisty 3-0 Le Derby loss to Lyon prior to the international break courtesy of a Jordan Ferri tackle, prompting Monday's operation.

"Robert Beric had an operation on Monday morning at the Clinique Mutualiste Chirurgicale in St. Etienne, following a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee," a statement on the club's website said.

"The operation went well and ASSE wish him a successful recovery."

Beric has appeared in 12 league matches this season, with three goals that are joint-top with defender Loic Perrin for the Rhone-Alpes club sitting fifth in Ligue 1, one spot shy of a spot in Europe.