Perth Glory's season took another horror turn this week when star goalkeeper Danny Vukovic departed the A-League club on a loan deal.
Vukovic was due to fly out to Japan on Tuesday to take up a five-month loan deal with J-League outfit Vegalta Sendai, which is managed by former Central Coast coach Graham Arnold.
The J-League club has the option to buy Vukovic at the end of the loan deal.
Vukovic has been a rare shining light in an otherwise horror season for the Glory, who are rooted to the bottom of the table with just six matches remaining.
Coach Alistair Edwards was sacked mid-season following a bitter rift with a swag of senior players, while skipper Jacob Burns and Ryan Edwards were recently involved in a training scuffle.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Glory will start as rank underdogs for Sunday's clash with Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium.
In the absence of Vukovic, 20-year-old Jack Duncan is set to be thrust into the hot seat.
Vukovic, who had two more years to run on his Glory contract, took on the loan deal in a bid to enhance his chances of making the Socceroos' squad for the World Cup in Brazil.
The 28-year-old is behind Mitch Langerak, Brad Jones and Mathew Ryan in the pecking order, but hopes a strong stint in Japan will convince Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou to pick him.
