North Queensland Fury head coach, Franz Straka, will miss tonight's week 18 Hyundai A-League match against Adelaide United due to a severe flu virus.

Straka, who has been ill since Wednesday, was hopeful of making the long journey to Adelaide today to meet up with his Fury squad but will now remain in Townsville on doctor's orders.

Fury Assistant Coach, Stuart McLaren will take over the coaching duties this evening at Hindmarsh Stadium.

It is hoped that Franz will recover in time to take his position on the sideline when the Fury meet Sydney FC at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Wednesday evening, 15 December.