The Wellington Phoenix are ruing the loss of skipper Alex Rufer heading into their last four regular season A-League games

The midfielder was controversially sent off in the win over the Roar in the capital for standing on Brisbane's Henry Hore in an attempt to dislodge the ball stuck between his legs.

He'll miss at least Saturday's match against the Mariners, but the suspension could be extended to up to three games.

Coach Giancarlo Italiano says others will fill the gap.