Western Sydney Wanderers coach Carl Robinson says he may split captaincy duties among his squad as the club prepares to deal with Rhys Williams' lengthy absence.
Williams successfully underwent surgery on a hamstring tendon earlier this week and now faces an extensive period on the sideline starting with Saturday's trip to face Brisbane.
The defender had been one of the club's most consistent performers in a chequered campaign which leaves the Wanderers with just one win from their opening six games.
Names including Steven Urgarkovic, Jack Rodwell and Johnny Koutroumbis were put to the Wanderers boss on Thursday, but Robinson said he may opt to share the role between his senior players.
"I haven't decided yet but there's a number of people that I need to step up now," Robinson said.
"The captain is someone who plays every week, who leads the locker room, or someone who leads the club off the field in the community.
"I've got to try and find the right people, and it might be spread and there might be a number of captains used before the end of the season.
"Those names are in the mix along with Tomer Hemed.
"I need someone who is going to be a good professional and who can be vocal and can handle the media if things don't go our way, rather than hiding. I need someone who will step up and whose voice is respected."
Hemed is likely to return to the starting XI against Brisbane after missing the Wanderers' last game with Melbourne City.
Japanese forward Keijiro Ogawa will likely drop out after he missed large chunks of training this week due to injury.
