Honduras suffer injury blow ahead of Caltex Socceroos showdown

Honduras have suffered a major injury blow ahead of next month's winner takes all FIFA World Cup play-off against the Caltex Socceroos. 

Striker Eddie Hernandez clashed heads with an opponent in his club team Motagua's latest outing, fracturing a cheekbone.

After being stretchered off, Hernandez underwent four-hour facial surgery with various media outlets reporting he is little chance of facing Australia on November 10 and 15.

The 26-year-old has scored seven goals in 19 matches for his national side.

Honduras coach Jorge Luis Pinto has acted quickly and called up Carlo Costly as a replacement.

Costly became a Honduran cult hero after scoring his nation's only goal at the 2014 World Cup.

Hernandez is reportedly retaining hope of being able to face the Caltex Socceroos wearing a protective mask.

There was more another injury scare for the Hondurans over the weekend, with Romell Quioto forced off with an injury in his latest MLS match for Houston Dynamo.

However the influential utility is expected to be fit to face the Caltex Socceroos next month.