Veteran defender Andrew Packer is on the verge of a return to the Brisbane Roar first team.

The 29-year old has been out of action since round 1 when he tore an adductor muscle against Gold Coast United but is expected to take his place in Ange Postecoglou's line-up after the last two weeks with the Roar's youth team.

The Roar face a crunch game against second-placed Sydney FC on Sunday and the likely return of Packer will add some steely resolve to a defence that has been struggling in recent weeks.