Hernandez has been one of Melbourne's most influential players this year, scoring seven goals and setting up many others.

But he received a knock late in the Sydney game and on top of the soreness he was already feeling, the club is unlikely to risk a trip to Townsville.

"There's a good chance Carlos will be unavailable," said coach Ernie Merrick. "He got another knock on the same ankle and it's pretty swollen up, so he's 70-30 against him playing.

"I'm pretty sure he won't be available. If he's not good enough to start, he won't be taken.

"I think it's a bit of a curse, every midfielder that we've got, is either out or injured. I think there is a possibility of seven first team players out this weekend."

Leigh Broxham also misses this match through suspension, while Evan Berger, Billy Celeski and Surat Sukha are all injured and Marvin Angulo is awaiting registration.

Broxham's unavailability had hastened the returned of Grant Brebner, who injured his ankle against Gold Coast four weeks ago. It was initially thought the Scottish veteran would be out for at least six weeks, but he has made strong progress despite coming off at Wednesday's training session with an ice pack on his injury.

"From the squad, Leigh's out suspended, Grant Brebner will come in, but he'll be a bench player," said Merrick. "He's certainly got at least half game in him and he's looking really good and he's been training really hard.

That was one positive, having another senior experienced player in there. But he won't start. The medical team have just done a great job with him, he's come on in leaps and bounds and as you can see from that, he's looking good and sharp."

While Sutee Suksomkit, who will be making his final appearance for the club, is likely to come in to replace Hernandez in the starting XI, a replacement for Broxham is harder to find.

All of Merrick's usual options are either unavailable or unfit, which means he could be forced to use youngster Matthew Foschini in an unfamiliar role.

"He's been playing so well Matty," said Merrick. "He's certainly put his hand up for a good chance to start there, but we won't finalise the line-up until the last minute. The youngsters know they are in with a chance."

Football Superstar winner Luke Pilkington may come into the squad as well, with Diogo Ferreira and Aziz Behich the other Youth League players given an indication they could be set for promotion.

Meanwhile Merrick praised the contribution of Suksomkit during his eight-match spell with the club and said he deserved a start in Sunday's match as a means of farewell.

He added: "The rules for the ACL means that our quota is fulfilled.

"We're certainly going to keep an eye on him. Being an attacking midfielder, we've got quite a few, he's a very good player, he's also a terrific person and he's been a great addition to the team."