Sydney FC's encouraging start to life under Ufuk Talay has hit its first major roadblock with English centre back Jack Rodwell and leftback Joel King sidelined with injuries.
The Sky Blues announced on Wednesday that Rodwell, King and Slovakian international Robert Mak were all facing periods on the sideline.
Rodwell sustained a calf tear in last week's win over Brisbane Roar and Sydney expect to be without him for a "a number of weeks".
The three-cap English international has struggled with injuries since arriving in Australia in 2021 and has played just four A-League Men games this season.
King, meanwhile, faces six weeks out of the side with a toe injury picked up in last week's win over Brisbane Roar.
The news is slightly more positive for Mak, who is expected to miss the club's next two games - against Adelaide and Newcastle - with a groin issue and is likely to return for their Australia Day meeting with Melbourne Victory.
Coach Talay's side face Adelaide on Saturday but should have influential midfielder Anthony Caceres on deck after he picked up an ankle injury a fortnight ago.
