Striker Bruce Djite, who was substituted in the first half of Wednesday's clash with Adelaide, is definitely ruled out with a hamstring strain, as is defender John Curtis who was stretchered off in the same match after being knocked unconscious.

Curtis was cleared of any head or neck injury and underwent scans on his shoulder yesterday, with the results revealing ligament damage that will sideline the former Manchester United man for some weeks.

Dutch midfielder Bas van den Brink is in fitness race, although his sprained ankle is showing signs of significant improvement. Along with van den Brink, Joel Porter (calf) and Zenon Caravella (hip) will both be given late fitness tests tomorrow before the squad departs.

"Obviously it wasn't a good sign to see Joel drop out of training early today and Bas is close, but we will have to wait and see how they are tomorrow before we fly," Bleiberg said.

"We still have 24 hours before we have to leave for Perth so everyone who is carrying a knock will be given until the last minute to see how they are.

"Regardless of who is fit and who isn't, I'm still confident we can go over there and get the result we're after."

With the likes of Jason Culina and Brazilian midfielder Robson already sidelined, Tahj Minniecon will take his place up front as Shane Smeltz's strike partner.

Minniecon has endured a stop/start season with United but is keen to make his mark in the run towards the finals.

"I'm looking forward to starting this weekend," Minniecon said. "I've had a few knocks and injuries this season and I certainly haven't played as much as I wanted to.

"I've done well against Perth in the past so hopefully I can go there, show what I can do and help the team.

"Shane (Smeltz) and I have a good understanding because we train together a lot. We can work well and complement each other, so naturally that's what we'll be looking to do on Sunday."

The trip to Perth is the first of three games in six gruelling days for United. After returning from west on Monday, they must recover and prepare for Wednesday night's rearranged game against Central Coast Mariners, then travel to Brisbane on Saturday for their final fixture of the season against the Roar.

Three points from their remaining three games should guarantee at least a fourth-place finish for Gold Coast who have two games in hand and a superior goal difference to fifth-placed Melbourne Victory.