Tim Horner is Otago United's latest loss as it prepares to take on top side Auckland City at Tahuna Park tomorrow.
Horner's injury will keep Otago's captain out for the rest of the season.
It is a pelvis problem which could involve a stress fracture, and may need an operation.
United coach Malcolm Fleming believed his key defender would rest for at least a month and then be checked out by a specialist regarding the operation, but further competitive play at top level could be a year away.
Horner's recent partnership with Tristan Prattley in central defence promised great things, but the young left-footer is now running a fever and also seems unlikely for Sunday.
After midweek training at Tahuna Park, news also surfaced that United chief executive Barry Van Gorp had suffered a heart attack on Wednesday, and was immediately taken by ambulance to Dunedin hospital.
Otago's football community has rallied to wish the administrator a speedy recovery. Otago's player absentees are now extensive.
Horner is out, Paul Seaman is out, Alistair Rickerby is out, Phil Ruggles is unavailable, Nathan Knox is in Australia, Prattley is ill and striker Ant Hancock has a fractured arm which necessitates him playing with a light cast.
Fleming is envious of the likes of Hawkes Bay's four new transfer window recruits which will bolster the Bay's ambitions at Park Island, Napier.
Australian age-group international Scott Gannon was joined by Lucas da Silva, Fergus Neil and former favourite David Gearey as coach Matt Chandler strengthens his Bay squad in the playoff run-in.
"We will strive to be competitive against Auckland," United coach Fleming said.
He intends to promote some of the youngsters who performed well in the recent 4-4 draw with Phoenix A in Dunedin.
The team backbone will still be keeper Adam Highfield, centreback Tom Sadd, right fullback Tom Connor and central midfielders James Reichwein and Andy Coburn, who has recovered from his 100th match celebrations last week.
Up front, strikers Aaron Burgess, Chris Anderson and possibly even the peripatetic Phil Ruggles will try to damage Auckland.
Anderson made a fine debut for Otago last week, and other striking options are the smooth-cheeked lads: Hancock, sturdy James Govan, pacey Harley Rodeka and youngsters Liam Lockhart, Morgan Day, Sam Mepham, Matt Brook and James Watson.
Coach Aaron McFarland's team will not be quivering in fear.
While Otago has registered upset wins up north in the past, Auckland has never lost in Dunedin.
The sides have played 17 times, with Auckland winning 12 times, Otago twice and three ending in draws.
Auckland welcomes back All Whites World Cup hero Ivan Vicelich and midfield stalwart Adam Dickinson.
Riki van Steeden is dropped as Auckland seeks to extend its winning sequence, and keep pressure on top team Waitakere, which is six points ahead.
James Pritchett will make his 99th career appearance, if selected, and Stu Kelly could achieve his 92nd milestone.
The Footballsouth national women's youth team have an 11am kick-off against Central Football in Wellington tomorrow.
Coach Darren Rewi is looking for improvement after his side's 5-0 loss last week to Wellington.
Otago Utd v Auckland City
Tahuna Park, tomorrow, 2pm
Otago: Adam Highfield, Tom Sadd, Aaron Burgess, Andy Coburn, James Reichwein, Callum Flaws, James Govan, Harley Rodeka, Chris Anderson, Matt Brook, Liam Lockhart, Ant Hancock, Tristan Prattley, Morgan Day, Sam Mepham.
Auckland: Jacob Spoonley, Angel Berlanga, Ian Hogg, Sam Campbell, Stuart Kelly, James Pritchett, David Mulligan, Luis Corrales, Daniel Koprivcic, Liam Little, Alex Feneridis, Adam Dickinson, Ivan Vicelich, Adam McGeorge, Daniel Morgan, Andrew Milne, Adam Thomas.
