Velaphi broke his hand last week while training with his Japanese club Shonan Bellmare. The 29-year joined the J2 League side from A-League outfit Melbourne City last year.

"I broke my hand last week at training, so it was a little unfortunate," Velaphi confirmed to FourFourTwo.

"I had the operation over the weekend so looks like a couple of months on the sidelines."

The former City, Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory keeper made nine first-team appearances for Shonan Bellamare last season. In the 2017 campaign he was on the bench for the first three league fixtures before suffering the injury.

"It's been a little frustrating not to start the season but I gelt I was training well and in good shape before the injury, and obviously felt ready to play if I was called upon," Velaphi said.

"As a team we've started off strongly, which has been great, so it's a shame to have to miss out the next couple of months."