Melbourne Victory forward Max Beister has been granted extended compassionate leave from the club.
The 26-year-old, who joined Victory on a one-year loan agreement from German club 1. FSV Mainz 05, has made nine appearances and scored one goal this season.
“I would like to thank Kevin Muscat and all the Melbourne Victory players and staff for allowing me the wonderful experience of playing in Australia at this club,” Beister said.
“Unfortunately, some things in life are bigger than football, and the best thing for me is to return to Germany.”