Melbourne Victory face a last-minute defensive selection headache ahead of Friday night's crucial clash with Central Coast with captain Adrian Leijer still under a fitness cloud.
While Leijer is still carrying a shoulder injury suffered in the match against Gold Coast eight days ago, his major concern is an ongoing groin strain which will require painkilling injections if he is to get through Friday's clash at AAMI Park, with a pre-match fitness test to be conducted.
Ubay Luzardo, the logical replacement for Leijer, is yet to gain full clearance to make his debut, which could mean that coach Jim Magilton has either a full hand or a significantly weakened hand to play.
"We going to do everything we can and hopefully (Luzardo) if it does get cleared, than he stands a great chance of playing," Magilton said.
"(Leijer) is going to be a late assessment. He's under the medical attention of the fabulous medical department of Melbourne Victory, I'm sure Lazarus will make another miraculous recovery."
Complicating the matter is the fact that the only starting central defender Magilton definitely has at his disposal, Mark Milligan, could yet be called into a midfield role in the absence of Grant Brebner, who is suspended, but also has an ankle injury which could see him miss four matches.
"We have to make a change in there and we've got enough bodies in that area, so we will see how we go," he said.
The uncertainty around the starting line-up could prove a bonus for youngster Jimmy Jeggo, who is in line for his first A-League start in the revamped midfield, but Magilton was playing his cards close to his chest.
He did say there was no good time to meet the table-topping Mariners, who slumped to their first defeat in 16 matches last week, but lead the league by seven points.
"It would be nice if some negativity crept into their play, but I very much doubt it. They lost a Grand Final last year and they bounced back," he said.
"They've shown great resolve. Great credit must go to the manager, the staff and the players. They have been consistently the best side in the league this year and they have got there on merit."
But he did feel the league was extremely even, evidenced by Victory's 10 draws from 20 matches this season and the fact there is just 13 points between second and second last.
"I think there's an opportunity every week for teams to beat those who are above you, so I think it's an even playing field. But Brisbane and Central Coast have been strong and resilient and they've shown great quality in the right areas," he said.