It was a rough night on all counts for the Melbourne Victory…
Melbourne Victory will be sweating on the fitness of star attacker Besart Berisha after a costly FFA Cup loss that could result in up to five players ruled out of Monday’s A-League clash with Wellington Phoenix.
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Berisha left the pitch with a groin injury during the first half of the Victory’s 4-2 FFA Cup quarter-final loss to Perth Glory.
While Victory have not yet announced the extent of the injury, the Albanian seems set for at least a couple of weeks on the sidelines.
Defenders Adrian Leijer and Daniel Georgievski are suspended after both were sent-off in extra tine, while French centre-back Matthieu Delpierre is also likely to miss the clash due to a hamstring injury.
Victory coach Kevin Muscat could also be without veteran striker Archie Thompson.
The 36-year-old was initially named on the bench for the clash against the Glory, but pulled out just before kick-off.
Muscar said he was disappointed his side were knocked out of the FFA Cup, but urged his players to lift for Monday night’s match at AAMI Park.
“It hasn’t been a good night,” Muscat said.
“I can’t recall a night like that with injuries, red cards. Not too much went our way tonight, but we’ve got to pick up the pieces from that.”