After missing a large chunk of the season with an ankle injury, Boogaard was handed his chance over the Christmas period and played three games in the space of a week.

"Boogaard - it will be difficult for him to play," Coolen told the Adelaide Advertiser.

"More than likely it's too quick for him to come in against Melbourne.

"Knowing that he already had a couple of injuries before, it's better to prepare him for the next home game (on January 21)."

Boogaard is not the only injury concerm for United.

Cassio, Marcos Flores and Adam Hughes all missed Adelaide's first training session this week but did take part in some light work yesterday.