Adelaide United striker Bruce Djite will not play in Saturday night's A-League semi-final against Sydney FC because of an ongoing groin injury.

The Reds had expected the frontman, who missed the elimination win against Brisbane, to return for the away trip to Sydney.

But coach Josep Gombau has ruled Djite out after he failed to complete Friday's match-eve training.

Gombau said his team would still play its distinctive attacking style and does not expect any surprises from the Sky Blues either.

The teams last met a month ago with Adelaide scoring a 1-0 win over its Sydney rivals.

"Every team know each other," Gombau said.

"This is five times that we will play this season against them. And we know very well them and they know very well us."

Sydney will start favourites in the match at the Sydney Football Stadium despite Adelaide recording three wins over the Sky Blues at the ground this season including a victory in the FFA Cup.