ERNIE Merrick has welcomed the Jets' short turnaround for the clash against Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval on Friday night, but the experienced coach also has an eye ahead to round six and the possibility of being without six players.
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The battle with new club Western United in Geelong on November 16 is in the middle of the next FIFA International window, which extends from November 12-20.
The Jets have already received notification that midfielder Matthew Ridenton will be selected in the New Zealand squad to play a friendly in Dublin.
Merrick also expects Abdiel Arroyo to be recalled to the Panama squad for games against Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.
Dimi Petratos is in an extended Socceroos squad for a World Cup qualifier in Jordan on November 15.
Johnny Koutroumbis and Angus Thurgate are likely to be away with Olyroos for a friendly tournament in China.
Northern Ireland under-21s, of which Bobby Burns has previously been captain, meet Romania in a European Championship qualifier in Balymena.
The A-League scrapped international breaks this season due to the introduction of Western United and a need for more playing dates.
Under A-League guidelines, clubs can request to have games rescheduled if they have four under-23 players or a combination of under-23 and 'A' internationals players away on representative duty.
The match between Sydney and Melbourne Victory has been pushed back a day to November 17 to allow players enough time to return.
"We could lose a few players and I'm not sure what the situation is regarding postponing games," Merrick said. "I know roughly what the rules are but I don't know how they will be applied. I will speak to Lawrie about it."
Merrick, despite the potential for a weakened squad, wants his players pushing for international selection.
"I think it is a such good thing when you get the opportunity to represent your country," he said. "We will never stop anyone from playing for their country."
The Jets are awaiting official notification of the players who are selected before they discuss the matter with A-League boss Greg O'Rourke.
"We have to wait and see," Merrick said. "Different countries notify you in different ways. Some notify you early, some late, some name an extended squad and cut it back. We just have to prepare for it. If we have enough fit players, it won't be a problem."
Of immediate concern for Merrick was preparing for Sydney and notching the Jets' first win of the season after they gave up a 1-0 lead to go down 2-1 to Adelaide at home on Saturday.
"The boys are pretty keen to play against Sydney," Merrick said. "It's a good thing that it is a short turnaround ... no-one wants to be out of the finals and currently we are third bottom. That is not a good position to be in."
Sydney are also smarting after losing 1-0 to fierce rivals Western Sydney, despite the Sky Blues dominating large periods.
"Sydney are a top team," Merrick said. "They have proved it over the past couple of years and have retained most of their players. That was their first loss, so obviously it is going to be a tough one, but Wanderers beat them and I think that is the way this season is going to go. Anyone can take points from anyone else, and we have to back ourselves to beat any team we are up against if we stick to our structures."
Jason Hoffman is in doubt with a tight calf and Merrick hinted at potential changes.
"There are a few putting their hands up to start," he said.
