AZ boss Gertjan Verbeek confirmed the in-form Australian, who provided two assists in Saturday's 4-0 league win over De Graafschap, will definitely not start the match.

However, Holman could be on the AZ bench in a game the second-placed Dutch side need to win to ensure their progress to the next round, with third-placed Austria Vienna two points behind them and facing group whipping boys Malmo on Thursday.

Verbeek told the club's website: "Brett is suffering from an injury. It's 100 per cent certain that he will not start against Metalist.”

Holman was restricted to light duties at AZ training on Wednesday and Verbeek added the club's medical staff will monitor his progress to see if he can at least make the bench for Thursday's clash.