Victory in Jinan will see the Chinese side seal top spot in Group G and a place in the last eight but they will have to do it without Wang, who has three goals in this season's competition including a superb bicycle kick to see off Seongnam Chunma on Matchday Two.

The influential midfielder fractured his right foot in the 3-0 Chinese Super League victory over Shaanxi Baorong on Saturday.

Li Wei is likely to replace Wang in the starting line-up but no decision has been made yet on striker Han Peng, who injured his right foot in the same game.

However, after winning all four matches in the competition so far, it's no surprise assistant coach Ma Baogong remained unfazed by the setbacks.

"Injuries have minimal impact to our side," said Ma, who will again manage the side as Serbian manager Ljubiasa Tumbakovic continues to serve a six-game ban.

"We are still confident in our team. We are certain to play aggressive football.

"Adelaide are not easy to manage. In this group, the Chinese, Korean and Australian sides are at the same level and we won't be able to beat them without an all-out effort.

"As always, we will be battling for a victory."

Shandong edged out their opponents 1-0 on March 7 in Adelaide thanks to an own goal by defender Michael Valkanis.

And new boss Aurelio Vidmar faces a selection headache of his own with Diego suspended and Dez Giraldi, Rob Cornthwaite and Jason Spagnuolo all injured.

Dutchman Bobby Petta is the only new addition to United's squad but it is unclear whether the creative midfielder will feature having only just recovered from a foot injury.

"We'll see how the game pans out, you never know he might get a run," said Vidmar "But I'm a little bit wary about how much game time he gets."

The other dilemma facing Vidmar is who will line up between the sticks with Daniel Beltrame and Robbie Bajic sharing the responsibility over the past four games.

Beltrame may be given the nod having put on an impressive display when Shandong played in Adelaide and the fact that Bajic has started the last two matches.

Vidmar is also keen for his squad to come through the encounter unscathed with preparations for the new A-League season looming on the horizon.

"I don't want them to re-injure themselves. What I really want - they've got a very good base now - is to get themselves ready for pre-season," he added.