Phoenix striker Oskar Zawada is likely to face a lengthy stint on the sidelines through injury. Photo: Masanori Udagawa
The Wellington Phoenix have suffered a major injury blow with striker Oskar Zawada sidelined for their A-League top of the table clash.
The Pole who scored 15 goals for the club during his 2022/23 season had just returned from a six-week injury lay-off.
Zawada, who is often hailed for his match-winning heroics, will now miss Wellington's home clash with the Central Coast Mariners on Waitangi Day with a groin strain.
The troublesome injury may see the 28-year-old absent for at least a month.
"Unfortunately he felt the tweak early (in the recent draw with the Brisbane Roar) which limited his range of movement," Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano said.
"If I'd know the extent I actually would have subbed him off. He's the ultimate professional, it's just more bad luck."
Striker Kosta Barbarouses will get his chance to step up in Zawada's absence and extend his purple patch of eight goals for the season.
In December, Zawada, who has found the back of the net five times this season, was impacted by a thigh injury.
He returned to score an 87th minute winner for Wellington against the Newcastle Jets in his first game back last month.
And in November a back injury suffered in training also threatened to derail his time on the pitch.
The Phoenix will take on the Mariners at 4pm at Wellington's Sky Stadium on Waitangi Day.
Captain Alex Rufer returns from his suspension with veteran Tim Payne also available for selection.
Mohamed Al-Taay is not ready to start according to the coach.
