Melbourne's Injury Woes Continue, but Can Shea Save the Day?

Much talked about Melbourne United import Jordan Caroline is set to miss the next two rounds with a hamstring injury. 

The club confirmed the news on Friday, after Caroline was hurt in United's loss to Sydney in Round 4.

He will replaced by Lachlan Barker on Melbourne's active roster.

United coach Dean Vickerman was forced to apologised for comments he made about Caroline on Sunday, which hinted he might be replaced on the the team's roster. 

“We made it really clear to Jordan when Ariel went down that we may need a centre, and if we do find the right guy that could affect his ability to play with us. We’ve been really clear and open, and he’s been amazing,” Vickerman said on Wednesday. 

“He just turned up, ‘yep coach, I understand’, and he’s given everything he’s got. He’s a warrior for us. We continue to look for that guy to replace Ariel and hopefully we can sort it out in a couple of weeks.”

It's better news for Shea Ili, who missed the entirety of the Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz and the opening four rounds due to concussion.

Ili is "likely to return" for United's clash against the Perth Wildcats, according to the Melbourne United website. 

Forward Mason Peatling is also closing in on a comeback from a knee injury, with a Round 6 return on the cards. 

Melbourne will play Illawarra on Saturday evening, before returning home to take on the Wildcats on Monday night.