 On 22 December, in a game against Vitória de Setúbal, after a dangerous challenge, he suffered a career-threatening knee injury ending his season prematurely.Despite László Bölöni intended to give Niculae his come-back on the field faster than anticipated on Sporting's last game of the season against Beira-Mar, the doctors eventually denied the player to return.The "Lions" won the double, Niculae contributing with seven goals in 16 games in the league, while in the cup he played only in a 3–1 win against Vilanovense.