Melbourne Victory's plan to rush star striker Archie Thompson back into the line-up for Saturday's derby has backfired.

Coach Ernie Merrick was hoping to bring back the A-League's all-time leading scorer ahead of schedule for the third Melbourne derby against the Heart but he broke down at training yesterday and will now miss the vital fixture according to sources close to the club.

Thompson injured his hamstring in the 2-0 win over Perth Glory on December 18 and has been out ever since but reports earlier this week suggested that he was on his way back to fitness for the must-win clash at Etihad Stadium.

But more recent reports indicate that he will certainly miss the Week 24 meeting with the Heart which promises to be a thrilling encounter.