Donachie is due to have surgery after injuring his quad against Melbourne City. He initially carried on after sustaining the injury before hobbling off the ground in the dying stages.

It is likely Thomas Deng will take Donachie’s place in centre-back for Friday's clash against Adelaide United, with Valeri believing that was a sign of their depth.

And the 33-year-old skipper said he didn’t have much to say to Donachie as he is naturally an upbeat person.

“Donchs is a leader himself, I respect that and there’s only so much he can say, he’s actually in good spirits and as sad as it is, he knows he’ll get on top of it,” Valeri said.

“He’s a top person to have around, he’s a real funny character but we’re going to miss him on and off the pitch and I’m sure he’ll be involved as much as he can around the boys.

“I feel sorry for Donchs, I was excited to see what he could reach this year, that’s the way it is and he’ll bounce back stronger.”

Victory take on United at Adelaide Oval on Friday night and will be looking to pick up their first points of the season.

The Reds have taken four points so far but Valeri said it was still too early in the season to panic.

Coach Kevin Muscat feels his team could have taken points from their first two games but Valeri felt it was just spilt milk.

“I don’t like saying (we’re) hard-done-by,” he said.

“We worked hard and our performances were good and we didn’t get the result and that’s the way it goes, that’s football.

“We have to be clinical in front (of goal). If we get three chances we have to take them all.”