Fred has returned home to Brazil to be with his family and will miss Saturday night’s match at Westpac Stadium - and it's not yet clear if he will return to see out the remainder of his guest player contract.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said everyone involved at the club had rallied around to help and comfort the popular Brazilian.

“Our deepest condolences and sympathies go to Fred and his family and their well-being is the club’s paramount concern," said Pignata.

"Being so far away from his family in Brazil at this difficult time is obviously very distressing for Fred and we have worked hard to get him, his wife and daughter on a plane home immediately.”

Including Saturday night’s match in Wellington, Fred has three matches left to play on his guest contract.

“The most important thing for us now is to help Fred in any way we can,” said Pignata.

“It’s far too early to say what will happen with the remainder of Fred’s contract but needless to say we will leave that decision to him and respect his wishes if he decides to stay in Brazil to be with his family.”

Players will wear black armbands against Perth Glory in support of their team-mate.