While his Blackburn Rovers boss is gutted at the prospect of losing the player for Premier League duty, Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek will also be concerned as Australia prepare for their World Cup qualifier in Bahrain.

Verbeek is now facing a string of possible injury withdrawals from the squad.

Emerton, who has been in fine form for his club this season, suffered a hamstring strain late in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion and is awaiting the results of a scan to assess the damage.

Ince told the Lancashire Telegraph: "
A frustrated Ince said: “I have lost Benni (McCarthy) and I have lost Brett with a hamstring.

"It could be two or four weeks, it depends what grade it is.

“Of course, Brett will be a big miss.”

The worst case scenario would see Emerton ruled out of the Socceroos Bahrain clash on Wednesday November 19.

Harry Kewell is also under a cloud after he was subbed off with an ankle injury after scoring for Galatasaray at the weekend and Luke Wilkshire may also be a doubt after he was replaced in the first half of his last club game for Dinamo Moscow.

Michael Beauchamp is also currently ruled out of Socceroo contention with a hamstring injury while Scott Chipperfield is recovering from a urinary tract infection operation.

Chris Coyne may also be a no-show for the 'Roos after he was injured in 24th minute of his club game at the weekend and missed the midweek cup tie.