Hamstring injury sidelines Daniel

Wellington Phoenix will be without their creative Brazilian Daniel for tomorrow night's A-League football match against the Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford.

Daniel picked up a groin strain at training this week and will not be risked in the battle between sides placed seventh (Mariners) and ninth (Phoenix) on the points table.

"I'm hoping it is only one week so I will only miss this game," Daniel said. "It felt really bad at the time but I feel much better now."

The Phoenix flew out of the Wellington yesterday afternoon and coach Ricki Herbert will be tossing up between Adrian Caceras and Diego to fill Daniel's boots.

If Herbert opts for Caceras, then the Argentine midfielder can expect a hostile reception given that it will be his first trip back to Gosford since his departure in September.

The Mariners are not without their own problems. They will be without experienced defenders Dean Heffernan and Nigel Boogaard, through Socceroo duty and suspension, respectively.

It may open the way for Ahmad Elrich to return from a long-standing knee injury. For Elrich and his Mariners team-mate, Adam Kwasnik, the match represents a chance to renew old acquaintances against many of their former Phoenix team-mates.

- © Fairfax NZ News