The player injured his quadricep in training last week as he continued his recovery from a long spell out of action.

Pantelis missed the entire 2006/07 A-League campaign after undergoing a knee reconstruction in May 2006.

Having worked over the past year to get back to full fitness during his lengthy knee rehabilitation, Pantelis is disappointed by his latest setback but is relieved that the prognosis was not more serious.

He said: “Unfortunately at training last week I tore the main quadricep
muscle, but luckily it is on the surface of the muscle which isn’t as dangerous.

“It has been a frustrating 15 months obviously coming back from the knee operation but I started playing again through the AFC Champions League and have been feeling really good during the pre season over the last three weeks.

“Unfortunately this has happened but you just have to get on with it and do everything you can to get back.”

Coach Aurelio Vidmar says Pantelis’ latest injury is an unfortunate setback, with the 25-year-old setting himself for a promising start to the season.

“Lucas has worked really hard to get his knee right and he was extremely keen to play a big part during the Pre-Season Cup so it is disappointing,” Vidmar said.

Adelaide United already has an extensive injury list going into the first round of the 2007 Pre-Season Cup against Melbourne Victory on Sunday with Paul Agostino, Kristian Sarkies, Dez Giraldi, Shaun Ontong and goalkeeper Daniel Beltrame all ruled out while experienced pair Angelo Costanzo and Michael Valkanis are unavailable through suspension.

Despite the injury toll, Vidmar is not going to take any risks in rushing players back.

“We are monitoring all of the injuries closely with the aim of having our best team on the field for the first round of the Hyundai A-League against Queensland Roar on August 25,” he said.