Victory’s Troisi ruled out of ‘Big Blue’ A-League semi-final

Melbourne Victory head to Sydney for Sunday's A-League Big Blue semi-final without James Troisi, but buoyed by the chance to reach a fourth grand final in five years.

The reigning champions confront Sydney FC at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for a place in the decider – just as they did last year – after a disjointed week.

Ten senior players stayed in Melbourne training under performance chief Anthony Crea; the rest went to South Korea for a dead rubber Asian Champions League match, which they lost 4-0 to Daegu FC.

Melbourne Victory scorer Georg Niedermeier after jumping the fence in celebration after last week’s elimination final win against Wellington Phoenix.Credit:AAP

Between last weekend's 3-1 elimination final defeat of Wellington Phoenix and their flight on Saturday afternoon, Muscat could only bring together his side for training just once – on Saturday morning at AAMI Park.

They've resorted to Skype sessions through the week, with Muscat insisting the gruelling travel schedule hasn't detracted from his preparation and wouldn't affect their performance.

"There's been some there's been other sessions, meetings … there's wonderful things you can do with communication," he said.

"We're comfortable. There's plenty of time."

Defenders James Donachie and Thomas Deng were the two players that Muscat fielded for every minute of both matches, dismissing the suggestion they wouldn't be able to back up.

"They're young men, they're fine. Young men with a lot of strength," he said.

Victory should be unchanged from their elimination final win given the failure of Troisi, who leads Victory for assists this season, to come up.

Troisi suffered a slight hamstring tear in the club's round 26 loss to Adelaide United.

"It's unfortunate … He pushed himself. Of course he did. He worked ever so hard," Muscat said.

"The decision we've made along with Jimmy – with his buy-in as well.

"Experience tells me going into these games … you're better off with players that have been playing regularly."

A year ago, the two sides played out an all-time classic at this stage of the competition, when Victory prevailed 3-2 after extra-time to reach the grand final.

James Troisi will have to sit out the semi for Victory since injuring his hamstring.Credit:AAP

Muscat said last year's match hadn't been discussed, but pointedly referred to an early-season win at Sunday's venue as proof they could win again.

"It was a good memory we created (but) this is a new contest and new opportunity for us," he said.

"We'll go across there buoyed with our result from last week and performance from last week.

"We've been there so we know the environment. We've played there and created a good memory.

"Now it's all about a battle and a contest."

AAP

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