Melbourne United's title hopes have taken a hit with the news that guard Shea Ili has suffered a fresh hamstring injury. The 33-year-old New Zealand international has been limited to just 10 appearances this season due to a series of soft-tissue injuries and concussion setbacks. Ili was set to gradually build his minutes as part of coach Dean Vickerman's plan to have one of the league's most influential players firing when it matters most. However, the latest setback will sideline Ili for at least the rest of the regular season. In a statement, United said Ili will 'be a fitness test for our first finals game'. Vickerman will also be a spectator for Melbourne's crunch home game against Illawarra at John Cain Arena on Sunday, as he has been sidelined by appendicitis. Assistant coach Rhys Carter will take the reins, as he did for Thursday night's win over Cairns, while Campbell Blogg replaces Ili in the line-up. United (19-12) are desperate to win as they seek to climb the ladder and secure a home final in the play-in tournament.