Adelaide playmaker Marcelo Carrusca looks set to miss up to three weeks in the run to the Hyundai A-League finals after suffering a quad injury in the win over Newcastle on Sunday.
Carrusca scored the winning goal at Hunter Stadium in the first half before limping off just before the break.
The victory has moved fifth-placed Adelaide within two points of Wellington Phoenix in top spot, with four games of the regular season to go.
MATCH REPORT: Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
While the Argentine will have scans on Monday to learn the full extent of the problem, coach Josep Gombau is resigned to being with his star for at least a fortnight.
“We have to do a scan but he’s [Carrusca] a player that knows very well his body,” Gombau said.
“He told me he felt he broke a little bit, normally this is two or three weeks. It will be difficult [without him] but this is a team.
“A team is not just one player. We will miss him because he’s a high quality player and one of the best in the team but we have a lot of players that will get their chance and do well.”
Defender Nigel Boogaard also sent a scare through the Reds camp when he was stretchered off in a neck brace after falling awkwardly on his head.
After making all three substitutions, the Reds were forced to play the last 18 minutes with 10 men as Boogaard was unable to continue but the Reds boss confirmed there was no serious injury for his defender.
While his side emerged with a vital three points, Gombau conceded his side was lucky to escape with a win after a patchy display.
“Today for us was not a good game. We didn’t find our right place on the field at any moment,” he said.
“If we are honest this is a game that normally you lose or don’t get a result.
“But this is football also. The attitude was good, the players fought and tried and were compact in the last 18 minutes with just 10 men.
“We got the result but in terms of football, in terms of the way that we played and in terms of chances, I don’t think we deserved to get the three points.”
The Reds face a huge clash against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night in a match where the loser will all-but bow out of the Premiers’ Plate race.
