Brisbane Roar's black injury cloud has developed a silver lining this week with better than expected news on three injury fronts.
Midfield dynamo Matt McKay received good news from the club surgeon late yesterday, with no surgery required on his damaged left knee.
McKay damaged his medial collateral ligament in Saturday's clash with Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium.
Despite the injury occurring over a pre-existing MCL tear, the Socceroos midfielder is expected to return in 4-5 weeks.
In further good news for Brisbane's engine room, Massimo Murdocca has been given the green light to step up his rehabilitation from a fractured leg.
Murdocca will next week trade football shorts for cycling nicks as he begins to build his aerobic fitness levels.
As well as spending 200-300km on the bike from next week, Murdocca will also hit the swimming pool in an effort to prepare his body for a return to running.
However, the midfielder still remains at least two months away from a return.
Finally, Andrew Packer's rehabilitation from his adductor injury continues to progress ahead of schedule.
Packer commenced straight-line running this week, adding a weight sled to the program at yesterday's Ballymore Stadium training session.
Initially it was feared the defender would be out of action for up to 12 weeks after tearing his adductor from the bone.
However, Roar Director of Athletic Performance Tony Ganter said Packer could be available for selection in three weeks.
Brisbane Roar this week travel to Townsville for their Hyundai A-League Round 5 clash with North Queensland Fury at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday.
