Sydney FC's injury list is beginning to mount prior to their Asian Champions League group stage match with Kashima Antlers on Wednesday.

The Sky Blues desperately need a win to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive but will have to navigate the travelling Japanese outfit star playmaker Nick Carle as well as speedy striker David Williams and dependable defender Seb Ryall whilst skipper Terry McFlynn is still suspended.

Coach Vitezslav Lavicka admitted it will be tough to counter for Carle but insisted it was a great opportunity for the likes of Brendan Gan, Rhyan Grant and Kofi Danning to again show their wares.

"It's difficult to replace the marquee player because Nicky, especially in the last games of this season, has shown his quality and he is an important part, especially when we are attacking," said Lavicka.

"We have to replace him but we have players who are younger than him and less experienced."

Lavicka also said that this match in particular was a must-win and revealed that he was looking to attack the Antlers.

"Every game in ACL group stage, especially at home, is a must win. The group is very close so we would like to be successful. We are confident despite some injury problems," added Lavicka.

"We must score more goals. We played well and created chances against Shanghai, but I expect more goals and for us to be true killers in the attacking third."