Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay may be forced to call in external reinforcements after striker David Ball was given a two-match suspension on Tuesday morning.
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Ball received a red card in the first half of Sunday's loss to the Central Coast Mariners for allegedly lashing out at opponent Matt Simon.
The independent Match Review Panel found the Englishman committed "serious foul play" when challenging for the ball. The Phoenix have opted not to appeal the decision, which means Ball will the Wollongong-based A-League side's next two games - including this Sunday's clash with the Western Sydney Wanderers at WIN Stadium.
It shapes as a must-win clash for the Phoenix, who have notched up just one victory so far this season.
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The ruling continues the selection headaches for Talay and his coaching staff. The Phoenix lost star recruit Tomer Hemed and Cameron Devlin to injury ahead of the Mariners game, while defenders Joshua Laws (ankle) and Luke DeVere (knee) were injured during the match.
The Mercury understands that the club will consider calling in eligible replacement players from New Zealand, or could lean on local NPL club Wollongong Wolves for support.
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
