Heart squandered a golden opportunity to set up a top two run by losing to Perth Glory 2-1 on Sunday.

Now they face the top two sides Central Coast Mariners on Wednesday night and Brisbane Roar three days later in a season-defining week.

Munn said finding a short term local replacement for the injured Brazilian was hard but hoped the return of Wayne Srhoj and the fit-again Jonatan Germano would be enough to boost the squad this week.

"First and foremost we need to get those two back. And I think Simon [Colosimo] will have a test and if he's not available on Wednesday, he'd be available for Saturday. That's our first goal," he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"Our second is, it's not that easy to say we want a player and get him in. It needs to be an Australian based player because an overseas player takes three or four weeks just to get the visa.

"It's about a domestic player we can do a swap with or maybe a trade in the window. We're active, we're talking to people but it's difficult."

Heart are also resigned to losing three players to the Olyroos in February as the national U23s continue on the road to London 2012.

One name mentioned as a possibility to come in is former Adelaide United midfielder Paul Reid, 32, who has been without a club since he was axed by former Adelaide coach Rini Coolen after last season.

But Heart coach John van't Schip agreed it won't be easy to find such a player to replace the former Melbourne Victory hero, Fred.

"We need another push, another level higher to compensate for the loss of Fred," he said.

"After this week it [position on the table] could be a lot more clear or it could also mean we are back in the mix of a lot of teams."

  • On Wednesday night at AAMI, Heart will wear their third kit designed by a fan.

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