QUEENSLAND Roar's depleted defensive stocks face a massive challenge against Adelaide United tomorrow with skipper Craig Moore in doubt with a knee injury.

Preparing for his first match of the season after serving a one-match suspension incurred in the pre-season, Moore limped from the training paddock yesterday morning after jarring his knee. The incident looked innocuous, but the 32-year-old defender hobbled back the sheds and did not return to complete the session.

"I think he's just jarred his knee," coach Frank Farina said afterwards. "We'll see how he wakes up tomorrow morning, but he may be doubtful for Sunday."

The possible loss of the Roar's marquee player is made worse by the unavailability of his replacement in the side last week, youngster Luke DeVere. The 18-year-old impressed in the 1-1 draw with Wellington, but is in camp with the national under-20s squad.

"It's disappointing obviously with both Luke away and if Craig does miss it," Farina admitted. "We're getting ahead of ourselves here, but even if Craig does miss Sunday, we'll still have cover."

Ben Griffin is the likely replacement, with the 22-year-old to play alongside Josh McCloughan in the central defensive role.

"We've got Benny Griffin, who's been around for a number of years. He's played a lot of games as well, so we're quite confident if Benny comes in he can do a good job," McCloughan said.

Thirty-two-year-old McCloughan, third on the list for most A-League appearances for the Roar, said he would be confident in taking a leadership role at the back in Moore's absence.

"I'm quite happy with that, I've had many years there now," he said. "As far as the team we've got around us - Teets [Danny Tiatto] and Hyuk-Su [Seo] on the left and right - we've got a lot of experience around that back line, as well as in the team in general. I'm quite confident either way if Moorey plays or not that we can do the job."

Midfielder Massimo Murdocca is also in some doubt for the clash, suffering from a virus he picked up in New Zealand.

"It was very cold and we thought we'd be lucky to get out without anyone falling ill," Farina said.

"Massimo's trained just half a session today, but hopefully - he's on antibiotics at the moment - he should be OK for Sunday."

There is bad news also for the Reds, with injury-plagued striker Paul Agostino yesterday ruled out with a knee injury.

The 33-year-old marquee man made just 10 appearances for Adelaide last season, and looked uneasy in last week's 1-0 win over Perth.

AAP