But the bubbly 18-year-old didn't want to dwell on an injury ruined 2017-18 campaign where she's become "inseparable" with her moon boot.

Instead, while she's doing her rehabilitation on her Lisfranc ligament in her foot, Flannery has slotted into the role of keeping up morale for United ahead of their crucial clash against bottom-placed Adelaide United at McKellar Park on Sunday.

Canberra are coming off their Christmas break on a three-game losing streak as they sit four points out of the top four - albeit with a game in hand.

Sweltering conditions have already pushed the start time back to 6.30pm, with the temperature potentially at the forecast high of 39 degrees at kick-off.

Flannery suffered her injury in a tackle in United's 3-0 loss to Sydney FC before Christmas, continuing her horror run with injury this season.

She had a stress reaction in her foot in October, which ruled her out for 10 weeks, before illness ruled her out again after just two games back.

Then in her return injury struck again to put her back in a moon boot, for at the least two more weeks, and on crutches, hopefully only till the end of the week.

"My first thought was, 'Dammit', because I'd just gotten back, it was just so frustrating. But we had that Christmas break and that really helped with me just getting away," Flannery said.

"I went down the coast with my family. I enjoyed watching everyone get into it again. As frustrating as it is, it's in the past now and I can only try to get better."

The injuries were even more frustrating given Flannery found her "groove" in the W-League last season and was looking for a big 2017-18.

The Young Matilda was unsure when she'll be back fully fit and her only thought was on getting back running.

Then she'll worry about whether she'll play over the winter, but that wouldn't be overseas anyway - although she might consider doing that in 2019.

"Last season I started to find my groove in the W-League so I was really looking forward to this season to build on that," Flannery said.

"But obviously injuries have come in the way. For my previous injury I knew I would get back before the end of the season and start playing.

"That's what's hard to cop with this one. I don't think I'll be playing again this season, it's almost certain, but at the same time it's good to know that."

W-LEAGUE ROUND 10

Sunday: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar Park, 6.30pm. Tickets available from Eventopia.

Canberra squad: 1. Haley Kopmeyer, 3. Clare Hunt, 4. Toni Pressley, 6. Caitlin Munoz, 8. Liana Danaskos, 10. Grace Maher, 11. Elise Thorsnes, 12. Bethany Gordon, 14. Ashleigh Sykes, 16. Karly Roestbakken, 17. Madelyn Whittall, 18. Taren King, 20. Amy Sayer, 21. Ellie Carpenter, 23 Michelle Heyman, 34 Laura Bassett, 36. Georgia Boric.