Scans confirmed Boogaard - 24 on Saturday - has done significant damage to his ankle after a training mishap on Tuesday, meaning he is likely to be sidelined until mid November.
 
“It is not positive for us because three weeks ago we started trying to play the way we prefer, and he is one of the important players in our back four,” Reds coach Rini Coolen said.
 
“They’re things that can happen at training, it was an unlucky moment but that’s football sometimes and unfortunately it is a problem we have to deal with. It’s disappointing but we have to accept it.”
 
Boogaard’s setback presents an unwanted headache for Coolen ahead of United’s match with Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Sunday.

The Reds boss now needs to explore his possible options as the obvious replacement, Robert Cornthwaite, is still out of action after his off season groin surgery.
 
“We have to find a solution for that,” Coolen said. “Cornthwaite is still a couple of weeks away from being able to play.

"But we have some players who can play there and we have to find out in the next couple of training sessions what solutions we have.”
 
Having established himself in the heart of United’s defence alongside Iain Fyfe, the injury is demoralising news for Boogaard, who was preparing to line up against his former club for the first time after five seasons with the Mariners.
 
With Cornthwaite, captain Travis Dodd, midfielder Fabian Barbiero and striker Lloyd Owusu all still on the recovery trail from the end of the club’s 2010 AFC Champions League campaign, it has not been the ideal scenario for Coolen entering his first season in charge.
 
The Dutchman admits he is looking forward to the chance to work with a near full squad, which will unfortunately not include Boogaard for an extended period.