Sydney won't rush back stars

The Sky Blues are bottom of the ladder after five rounds and still searching for their first win since last season's grand final success after Saturday night's dismal 3-1 loss at home to Adelaide United.

Lavicka admitted his side was badly missing captain McFlynn and star striker Brosque, who are battling hamstring and ankle problems respectively.

But the Czech coach said it was unlikely they would be risked for next Saturday's tricky trip to face Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand.

"We need them on the pitch but we need them 100 percent fit and not earlier," Lavicka said.

"Yes, we are having a troubled period but the season is very long.

"Of course we need them on the pitch but they have to be 100 percent ready, we don't need the risk."

While Lavicka has kept faith with a familiar line-up and formation in recent weeks, he indicated his patience was wearing thin after being outclassed by an impressive Adelaide outfit.

He said it was time to make changes but acknowledged he may be limited in his options due to the injury concerns.

"It's difficult ... we're missing some key players but that's football, I can't complain about this," he said.

"Of course, some players are playing below their standard and I think it's time to do some changes but we must manage which players will be available."

Midfielder Stuart Musialik could also be in doubt to face Phoenix after he was substituted at half-time of Saturday night's match with a hip problem.

But Lavicka hinted the decision to swap Musialik for new signing Hiro Moriyasu was as much tactical as it was injury-related.

"Stuey wasn't 100 percent but I expected better performance from him," Lavicka said.

"But it's not just him ... we lost as a team, not as one player only."

Sydney clearly has work to do to win back its fans, with the club's lowest ever home crowd of 7,557 turning out to watch the match against Adelaide on a dreary night.

Anything but a victory against Phoenix will extend Sydney's winless streak to six matches, making it its longest dry spell in six seasons of the A-League.