Adelaide has confirmed young defender Jordan Elsey has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

It is a cruel blow for the 22-year-old who only returned from an ACL injury in the same knee in November last year.

โ€œJordan has ruptured the ACL in his left knee. It was a non-contact injury," club doctor James Ilic said.

โ€œWe're discussed the situation with Jordan and his family about what we believe to be the best course of action, and the decision has been made that we will perform a full reconstruction as soon as possible.โ€

He enjoyed a breakout season in 2015-16 upon his return from injury, making 17 appearances for the Reds en route to the A-League title. The Adelaide local has played 27 matches and scored one goal for United since joining the club in 2013.