The 32-year-old felt a twinge in the warm-up to last Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Glory at AAMI Park and lasted 35 minutes before being subbed off.

Heart football operations manager John Didulica said the club would monitor Fred's progress over the coming days before determining a specific time line for his return.

"We are obviously disappointed that Fred will miss this weekend, but we'll take the most appropriate steps to ensure that when he returns he's 100 per cent ready," Didulica said.

Fred had been scheduled to front a media conference with Melbourne's Archie Thompson this afternoon, but he's been replaced by striker David Williams.

Fred's setback may create an opening with a reshuffle for veteran defender Simon Colosimo who played 60 minutes for the Heart's youth team at the weekend.

Colosimo, who was replaced by Fred as club captain, has been carrying a calf injury.