Wellington Phoenix guest player Fred has returned to Brazil to be with his family after the sudden passing of his father. The creative midfielder will miss Saturday night's home match against the Perth Glory but all players will wear black armbands to show their support.

"Our deepest condolences and sympathies go to Fred and his family and their well-being is the club's paramount concern. Being so far away from his family in Brazil at this difficult time is obviously very distressing for Fred and we have worked hard to get him, his wife and daughter on a plane home immediately," said Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata.

"The most important thing for us now is to help Fred in any way we can," he added.

"It's far too early to say what will happen with the remainder of Fred's contract but needless to say we will leave that decision to him and respect his wishes if he decides to stay in Brazil to be with his family."