Adelaide United defender Robert Cornthwaite will miss Friday night's meeting with Melbourne Heart because of injury.

The 25-year old centre-half slightly strained his hamstring during the second half of last Friday's 2-0 win over North Queensland Fury at Hindmarsh Stadium and will now sit out as the Res go for eight straight victories at home.

"What's good is that the news is positive, as he could have been out for a longer term," Adelaide coach Rini Coolen said.

"But it looks like he will only be out for a couple of days. He won't play on Friday but he might be available to play next Wednesday or definitely the next game."

Daniel Mullen is expected to replace Cornthwaite at central defence for the Reds, forming a partnership with Iain Fyfe.