Singapore defender Safuwan Baharudin has been released by Australian club Melbourne City following a season-ending back injury.

A post on the club's website read: "Melbourne City FC can confirm that it has released Singaporean international Safuwan Baharudin effectively immediately, with the defender ruled out for the remainder of the season with a back injury."

The 23-year-old joined the Australian outfit on a three-month loan from LionsXII in January after impressing the club's coaches at a mid-season training camp in Abu Dhabi. The loan deal allowed him to feature in City's Final Series campaign, but the injury has put paid to the player's hopes of participating.

In his time down under, Safuwan made six appearances, scoring two goals.