Platinum Stars have been dealt a huge blow with the news that their hardman in midfield Edward Williams will be out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury he suffered during the recent match against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Williams has featured ten times for 'Dinaledi' in their 15 matches this season and was starting to command a starting role after a slow start.

Stars team manager Obed Legobate confirmed the news but admitted they have capable replacements.

He told Sowetan: "He had a controlling role in the middle of the park so this is a big blow for us. But he will get all the time he needs to get better.

"We have more players capable of commanding the midfield - the likes of Kagiso Senamela (and) Tshepo Ramokala."

Simba Marumo has also been another player with injury problems for the Rusternburg outfit, he also went under the knife and its unclear when will he return.

"Simba was also very uncomfortable after the Mamelodi Sundowns match due to this recurring growth on his knee. We will try different combinations," Lebogate added.