Cornthwaite had scans earlier today after injuring his hamstring in the second half of last Friday night’s win over North Queensland Fury. The results revealed the 25 year old has a slight hamstring strain, which means he may only be out of action for one game.

While the injury will keep him out of the match with Heart, the positive prognosis could see Cornthwaite, who is seven games away from making his 100th Hyundai A-League appearance, back available for selection for the Reds’ following midweek fixture against Perth Glory on December 22.

With Adelaide United about to enter a hectic period that will see the Reds play five games in 17 days, coach Rini Coolen will not risk playing Cornthwaite against Heart. However Coolen is pleased the extent of Cornthwaite’s injury is not more severe and that his expected rehabilitation time is minimal.

“What’s good is that the news is positive, as he could have been out for a longer term,” Coolen said.

“But it looks like he will only be out for a couple of days. He won’t play on Friday but he might be available to play next Wednesday or definitely the next game.”

Coolen has hinted Daniel Mullen, who came on for Cornthwaite against Fury, as the most likely candidate to partner Iain Fyfe in the centre of the Reds’ defence as United attempt to make it eight home wins in a row with victory over Melbourne Heart.

Cornthwaite’s progress will be reviewed later in the week ahead of a decision on whether he will be declared fit for next week’s trip to face Perth Glory at nib Stadium.