THE powers of recovery of Melbourne Heart captain Fred will be tested as the club heads into finals, with the star play maker facing a month - and possibly up to six weeks - on the sidelines.

Fred strained his groin in the 1-1 draw against Gold Coast on Sunday and received the worse-than-hoped diagnosis earlier this week.

Melbourne Heart captain Fred. Credit:Getty Images

The club is expecting the best-case scenario - that Fred will only miss four weeks.

Should all go to plan, the Brazilian import will begin training in three weeks, but he will be in serious doubt for the derby against Victory at AAMI Park on February 4.