Wellington Phoenix will be without marquee striker Tomer Hemed for Sunday’s clash against A-League leaders Central Coast Mariners, while Wednesday’s game against Melbourne Victory has been postponed to February 24.
Hemed has been ruled out with a minor hamstring injury, which could also sideline the former Brighton and Hove Albion forward for the following game against Western Sydney Wanderers next Sunday.
The Phoenix were due to play the Mariners, Victory and the Wanderers within the space of just eight days.
Although he is yet to find the back of the net, the loss of Hemed has dealt a blow to the Phoenix’s chances of registering back-to-back wins over the surprise package Mariners as they are already one striker down.
The Israeli picked up the injury in the first half of the Phoenix’s 2-1 defeat to Sydney FC on Monday. He was replaced at halftime after complaining of tightness.
Cameron Devlin was also forced off early after taking a knock to his leg. However, the key central midfielder has been included in the extended squad and should retain his place alongside vice-captain Alex Rufer at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium.
