BRETT Holman admits he’s a “day-by-day” proposition in his bid to play in Brisbane Roar’s A-League season-opening clash against Melbourne City on Friday week at AAMI Park.

The former Socceroo injured his calf in the Roar’s 3-1 trial loss to Melbourne Victory in Ballarat on September 1.

Since then, a frustrated Holman said he had been “working his arse off” to be fit for the first round of the A-League season.

“The irritating thing for me was that I really worked hard (in the pre-season) for two months, and now I’m going to lose a little bit of that fitness base because I’ve missed a few weeks,” the 33-year-old playmaker said.

“That got me down a little bit … but I’m getting there. The calf’s feeling good. I ran (on Monday) and touch wood there’s no reaction.

“That’s the key. Then it’s going to be from now until next Friday night a day-by-day assessment.”

W-League: Matildas stars lead the lines

media_camera Holman did his calf in the trail against Melbourne Victory. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Fellow midfielder Thomas Kristensen (hamstring) is also hopeful of being fit enough to face City.

Whether recent Roar signing Eric Bautheac plays a part in Round 1 remains unknown, with the French winger yet to arrive in Australia.

Bautheac is still awaiting his visa clearance, but with the process now in the hands of Australian authorities, the Roar are confident the 30-year-old former Lille attacker will fly to Brisbane this week.