Canberra United's American midfielder Kendall Fletcher will start her seven-game guest stint a week earlier than expected, ruling her out of possibly playing in the W-League grand final.
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Last season's player of the year will be held back for the next two weeks before coming into the United line-up for the round-seven clash with Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on October 25.
United will stick with the squad that beat Brisbane Roar 2-0 last weekend for its game against the unbeaten Perth Glory on Saturday and a home match with Adelaide United on October 19.
Fletcher was a standout for United in her first season, but the addition of fellow American Chantel Jones, recruited to cover for injured goalkeeper Lydia Williams, meant there were no more full-time spots for overseas players.
United chief executive Heather Reid said 29-year-old Fletcher would be a welcome addition to the squad when it attempts to square the ledger with Victory after a 4-2 loss earlier in the season.
"We need players that have got that huge crowd experience, and her experience in the US and Sweden will be very good in that match," Reid said.
"Our key target is to make the top four and anything can happen from the top four, so she will help us get to the top four.
"We're fairly confident that the line-up that did the job on the weekend can continue to do their job in the next few games."
United has won three of its first four games, to sit third on the ladder, but must overcome a heavy injury toll and an in-form opposition to topple the Glory.
Perth is a perfect four from four and thumped last-placed Western Sydney Wanderers 10-1 last weekend.
Jones played with the Glory last season, and is hoping to use some inside knowledge to help plot its downfall.
"We need to be sharp on defence – they can finish and Kate Gill is pure class," Jones said. "She scored five goals last weekend, so she's going to be really confident.
"I'm going to have to be on my game, as will our defence, but we'll be up to the task."
United is trialling Lauren Brown from the Gold Coast as an injury replacement for Grace Gill, who is likely to miss four to six weeks with an ankle problem.
Former Adelaide United midfielder Tegan Riding arrived on Wednesday, filling the boots of Meg McLaughlin, who has a knee injury.
