FORMER Socceroos star Brett Holman has joined goalkeeper Michael Theo as a big-name omission from the Brisbane Roar squad taking on Shanghai Shenhua in Wednesday night’s AFC Champions League playoff in China.

Roar coach John Aloisi revealed on Friday that Theo would be staying home to prepare for Brisbane’s A-League clash against Melbourne City on Saturday at AAMI Park.

Also not among the 18-man squad that left for Shanghai were attacking midfielder Holman, Spanish winger Manuel Arana, midfielder Jacob Pepper and injured striker Joey Katebian.

With the Roar not arriving in Melbourne until Friday afternoon following their Thursday night departure from Shanghai, Aloisi has been forced to manage his squad.

Holman, Arana, Pepper and Katebian all started in the Roar’s 6-0 demolition of Filipino outfit Global FC in Tuesday’s Champions League playoff at Suncorp Stadium.

But none were in Brisbane’s starting team three nights later when the Roar drew at home against undefeated A-League leaders Sydney FC.

Brandon Borrello was among those who left for Shanghai on Sunday after missing the clash against Sydney because of suspension.

Squad for AFC Champions League playoff against Shanghai Shenhua: Jamie Young, Jack Hingert, Luke DeVere, Jade North, Corey Brown, Thomas Kristensen, Matt McKay, Dimitri Petratos, Brandon Borrello, Jamie Maclaren, Thomas Broich, Tommy Oar, Daniel Bowles, Nick D’Agostino, Shannon Brady, Joe Caletti, Connor O’Toole, Tom Bilic.