Spring champions Cavalry FC will be without right fullback Dean Northover for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, according to head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

The Cavalry boss confirmed the injury on Sportsnet 960 The Fan in Calgary on Thursday.

“He’s been an absolute stalwart for us and a lad I’ve had for five years,” Wheeldon said, mentioning his time with Calgary Foothills of the PDL.

“He’s a hard worker so he’ll be back.”

Northover has 13 appearances across all competitions for Cavalry in 2019, including five in the Canadian Championship, with over 600 minutes played in league play.

The 28-year-old will miss the Cavs’ CanChamp Semi-Final with Montreal Impact, with the first leg set for Wednesday in Quebec.

Wheeldon Jr. will also be without Joel Waterman, who is set to be out a few weeks with a fractured toe.

It just gives us a little lightness at the back,” Wheeldon Jr. said. “We have some coverage. It’s nice we have such a deep squad.”

Waterman and Northover join Chris Serban on the long-term injuries to Cavalry’s defence. Serban tore his ACL in pre-season and has yet to feature for Wheeldon Jr.’s side this season.