Talay has earmarked their AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) match on February 12 against Thai Premier League club Bangkok United as a return for Costa.

At worst, the 34-year-old winger could be out for eight weeks.

"Not good," Talay said of the Brazilian's injury.

"We'll just make sure we get him right and push him again.

"If we can push him to that first leg of the ACL, that means he's come back a little bit early.

"He's probably as frustrated as I am."

Sydney will at least be bolstered by the return of sharpshooter Patryk Klimala.

The Polish striker had been leading the club up front with four goals across seven games before picking up a groin strain following their Western United defeat.

"Patryk has worked hard to get back to full fitness, and we’re pleased to have him available again," Talay said.

"His presence up front gives us another dynamic option, and I’m looking forward to seeing him back in action."

Costa had missed three weeks earlier in the season with the same injury, picking up the issue in their ACL2 match against Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima in October after making his ALM debut in round one.

He returned to feature in their round five triumph over Western Sydney before finally hitting the scoresheet four weeks later in the 3-3 draw against Adelaide United.

The Reds had got off to a perfect start thanks to Archie Goodwin and Stefan Mauk goals, before Costa scored twice and added an assist to salvage a point.

His assist against the Victory was his fourth goal involvement in two games, and he played a part in Sydney securing their first clean sheet of the season.

They are ninth on 13 points, while the Jets are 11th on six.

"He was enjoying himself. He had a really good first half against Melbourne Victory," Talay said.

"I thought we got him into a really good place physically but these things happen in football."

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