Durante doubtful for Phoenix

The influential central defender went to Wellington Hospital after experiencing bouts of vomiting on Friday night.

He returned home on Saturday morning having been diagnosed with a virus.

While coach Ricki Herbert has kept Durante's name in a 17-man squad list, it is unlikely the skipper will be fit for the match at Westpac Stadium.

"It has been that kind of week," Herbert said.

"The last 10 days have been interesting with players away on international duty and young Cameron (Lindsay) taking ill in Melbourne last week.

"Just when we thought we were over the worst, our captain goes down with a virus but we just have to get on with the job if he can't play."

Michael Boxall will be the obvious replacement, having played alongside Durante in last week's draw against Melbourne Heart in place of absent All White Ben Sigmund.

Herbert is bracing himself for a tough game against the two-time champion but is confident his players are up to the task.

"Brisbane are a strong side and they are coming here on the back of a top result (a 5-0 win over Melbourne Victory) and it should be a great game," he said.

"At home we have been able to get at teams and this game is no different.

"They are a difficult team to contain but I'm confident we can match them."

One of the biggest tests for Phoenix will be containing Roar's free-scoring striker Besart Berisha who has netted 23 times in 31 appearances for the side from Queensland.