The issue has caused a stir with both Adelaide United and Queensland Roar bringing in new faces during the finals.

Rostyn Griffiths has been added to the Reds squad while the 'slippery fish' Henrique has suddenly appeared in the Queensland Roar set up.

It isn't an issue for Phoenix this year but if the Westpac outfit are challenging for honours next season Pignata believes it should be a case of 'you go with what you've got'.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "It's just my opinion but I think there should be a cut off point where you say no more, you have a squad in place and if you have people out then you turn to your youth players.

"It's about building depth in your squad and you should go with what you have once the finals starts. As I said, that's just my view.

"The exception would be to allow a goalkeeper to come in as it's such a specialised position.

"Aside from that, if you lose someone, it's just bad luck. You have to get on with it."

In off the field news at the club, Phoenix are hopeful that the next month will bring good news on the sponsorship front.

Sony appear poised to continue their sponsorship of the club. Pignata said: "We're pretty close and hoping for some good news in the next three to four weeks."

Phoenix players are on their break now but will report back for pre-season training on April 14.

The club is hoping to take part in a pre-season tour to China. They had been planning to do so before the start of this season until the region was hit by an earthquake.