Injury and international duties have ravaged the Victory side ahead of its clash with Sydney FC.
As many as nine players could be missing from Melbourne Victory’s squad when it faces rivals Sydney FC on Saturday.
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Injuries and international commitments have decimated Kevin Muscat’s side as it comes up against the also-undefeated Sky Blues at Allianz Stadium.
In-form winger Kosta Barbarouses is away with New Zealand, while Daniel Georgievski jets off to link up with Macedonia.
Youngster Connor Pain is also away on international duty with the Olyroos.
Mark Milligan, Jason Geria and Scott Galloway are all ineligible after pulling out of their international commitments due to injury.
Matthieu Delpierre (ankle) and Nick Ansell (knee) are also likely to be absentees for the highly-anticipated clash.
To make matters worse for the Victory, star striker Archie Thompson left training early on Wednesday.
The A-League is yet to adopt the strategy of breaking for FIFA international dates, leaving several clubs without key players this weekend.