The McKay-Murdocca combination has been hailed by some as one of the hardest working midfield partnerships in the A-League but Roar coach Frank Farina will be without the duo for several weeks.

A broken leg during pre-season training will see Murdocca out of action for several weeks yet and now McKay is also looking at a lengthy spell on the treatment table.

He hobbled out of Saturday's 1-0 win over Central Coast Mariners and has since been diagnosed with medial ligament damage that could see him ruled out for up to eight weeks.

Defender Andrew Packer is another long term absentee as he looks to recover from an adductor injury.

Farina is expected to bring in an injury replacement to cover for McKay's absence. Roar travel to face North Queensland Fury in round five.