Thompson extremely close to Melbourne Victory return

Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson could be back in action this weekend following his serious knee injury.

The A-League’s all-time leading golascorer underwent a knee reconstruction in March after sustaining the injury in last season’s ill-fated Grand Final against Sydney FC but according to coach Ernie Merrick, is in contention for Saturday’s Etihad Stadium clash with Gold Coast United.

"I think it will be pretty close," Merrick said.

"We may have to wait and see how he backs up after a hard session (he had on Tuesday). We'll get a good idea today and tomorrow. Having Archie back will be first-class, but we won't push him."

Merrick did add, however, that if Thompson did not make it for this weekend, he would have to wait until November 18’s home clash against Central Coast Mariners as the match following the Gold Coast meeting is in Perth.

“The knee is repaired by taking a graft from the hamstring, so sitting on the plane to Perth is not good for the hamstring," Merrick added.

"So if he doesn't have a run this week, we may not take him to Perth."