Just as things started to look up for the Melbourne Victory, another key player goes and gets injured. The two-time A-League champions were looking the goods after defeating the previously undefeated Adelaide United in Week 12 and with the imminent return of star striker Archie Thompson from a knee injury, it seemed as though things were about to completely turn for the better.

But on Saturday night against Gold Coast United, the Victory were very inefficient in attack, losing 1-0 because of a Roddy Vargas own-goal and in-form goalscorer Robbie Kruise sustaining a thigh injury which could have him pout for up to four weeks.

The injury denies the chance for Thompson and Kruse to get back together and continue a deadly partnership in Sunday's away clash with the struggling Perth Glory.

Although it is not clear how long Kruse will be out for, Victory midfielder Billy Celeski said the club was hopeful it would not be as long as initially feared.

"He was moving around today a little doing some really light stuff, so given that hopefully it won't be too long," he said.

"He'll be assessed by the physios and the medical staff and we'll know something a little later on."

As for Thompson, Celeski said the club would take a similar approach they did to him when he returned from his knee injury.

"I think that's more down to Archie's call. I know even with me (coach) Ernie Merrick left it with me to make a decision, so he's obviously going to travel and he'll play a big part whether he starts or not," Celeski added.

"We're going to be hoping that he a big game for us. We love having him out there as well and he makes the difference for us. He's a crowd favourite, the whole crowd loves him."