VINCE Grella's curse continues with his A-League debut delayed by at least a fortnight.

The December 23 Melbourne derby now looms as a potential return date for Grella.



"He pulled up quite sore after the friendly game last week so he will be out for another few weeks," Heart coach John Aloisi said.



"We don't want to risk or rush anything. He was due to play a 90-minute intraclub this week, but that is now delayed."



Culina, 32, had a knee osteotomy last year to realign his left leg.



"I've dreamt about this for the past two years and finally we're getting there," Culina said.

Originally published as Grella's Heart debut delayed