Smeltz injured his ankle at Suncorp Stadium in the 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar on Saturday.

Scans after the game revealed the extent of the ligament damage and the club today admitted the Kiwi marksman is set to be out for the next four A-League rounds.

Glory were already without new marquee signing William Gallas and Scott Jamieson against Roar because of injury, and were also missing skipper Jacob Burns to suspension.

They will face Wellington Phoenix at home on Friday without central defender Steve Pantedilis, who is departing to join Malaysian side Selangor FC tbis week, along with Travis Dodd and Josh Risdon who are both battling knee complaints.

After Phoenix, Glory take on Victory away, Adelaide at home and the Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium.

Smeltz himself appears confident of returning to the field earlier than expected, tweeting on Tuesday: “Not quite sure where the info ‘out of action for a month’ has come from! Some people do like to jump the gun…”

However the club admitted tonight: "Perth Glory can confirm Shane Smeltz will miss up to four weeks after sustaining ligament damage to his ankle during the club's 1-0 loss to Brisbane on the weekend.

"Scans were taken in Brisbane following the match on Sunday morning and revealed a torn ligament."

It has been a frustrating period for Smeltz who has only managed four A-League appearances this season.

The 32-year old New Zealand international missed the start of the season due to hip surgery and missed another match due to All Whites commitments.

In March he suffered a horrific injury playing for New Zealand in a World Cup qualifier against New Caledonia when he was kicked in the face.