Perth Glory's depth faces a major test in Monday's Hyundai A-League match against Gold Coast United, with several injury concerns creating a selection headache for coach Ian Ferguson.
The Glory enter the match on a seven-game unbeaten run after thrashing Adelaide United 3-0 on Sunday and could finish the round in second spot if they win and other results go their way, but a host of injuries will make their task against the league's bottom side much tougher.
The biggest concern is with the back four, with Josh Mitchell still two to three weeks away from recovering from a knee problem, Evan Berger ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring tear he suffered against Adelaide and Todd Howarth in serious doubt with a groin issue.
Dean Heffernan is on the path to return from a knee injury, but Ferguson would prefer to get him some National Youth League playing time before giving him first-team duties.
"I've got no more left sided players at the moment, we're down to bare essentials," the coach said.
"We could have a couple of options with (central defender Steve) Pantelidis and so on but I don't want to do that."
"If Todd goes out it leaves me with no option, I may have to throw Heffernan in at the deep end. But if Todd's fit, I'll send Heffernan away with the youth team to get some game time."
"We'll give (Todd) every chance to be ready for Monday ... I won't rule him out until the physio says."
Steven McGarry, who has starred during the Glory's improved run in an attacking midfield position, is also in doubt with a cork, but Ferguson expects winger Travis Dodd to be available off the bench.
Ferguson said it was a cruel blow for the versatile Berger, who had been in good form playing on the left wing, to suffer another injury.
"It looks as though it could be four to six weeks," he said.
"It's a tough one for the kid. He gets some confidence and he's buzzing then all of a sudden, bang, this happens again."
Gold Coast are five points clear at the bottom with just three wins from 18 games, but Ferguson said that didn't reflect their ability.
"I watched them (in their 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory on Wednesday) and they got a great result," he said.
"They're a counter-attacking team with great pace and energy. There's no fear in them and this is no easy game."
If Perth can extend their unbeaten run to eight games, it would be the club's longest in the A-League era.
The Glory's longest run without a loss overall was a 15-game streak in the National Soccer League in 2002-03.