With the Panthers already resigned to being without the services of Australian under-19s Schoolgirls International Monique Solar, losing Carbone would be a huge blow for the finals aspirants.

Monaro will return to the training pitch for the first time this season on Monday as the club looks to go one better than last year’s fifth-place finish.

In their first year in the Women’s State League competition in 2011, only a final-round defeat at the hands of Brindabella denied the Panthers a first-up finals appearance.

While the club is aiming for a top-four finish this season, coach Tilly Carbone admitted Catherine Carbone and Solar would be difficult to replace.

‘‘[Catherine’s] combination with Monique in midfield was a real strength for us last year so there are certainly going to be big shoes for someone else to step up and to fill,’’ he said.

‘‘Catherine played through the pain last year but the physio has told her she’s got to avoid running until her knee is sorted out so we may or may not get her back this year.’’

Solar joined the Panthers midway through last season after moving from Premier League outfit Canberra FC and made an immediate impact alongside Carbone in the central midfield role.

Despite the losses, Tilly Carbone said the side would be better placed than last year to have a crack at the finals in 2012. ‘‘Last year was a bit of trial and error,’’ he said.

‘Where previously we didn’t really know what to expect, now we do.

‘‘It’s going to help a lot that the girls are a year older as well. We’ve got a very young team and probably struggled to compete physically last season.

"Our goal for this season is to go one better and get into that top four.’’