Sources in Melbourne say the talented, but currently club-less, defender's injury may not have healed properly last season, hence the need for a reconstruction to fully fix the knee.

If so, this also explains the 27-year-old's reticence to sign with a new club after he was linked with Newcastle Jets and a number of overseas clubs during the off-season.

The one-time Perth Glory, Zurich and Young Boys sweeper was released by Victory coach Ernie Merrick amid much behind the scenes acrimony at the end of last season. Since then the player has kept out of the media spotlight.

"Ljubo has been laying low lately but he's training and keeping fit," a source close to the player told au.fourfourtwo.com recently.

Milicevic's return to the A-League was blighted by injury. An opening day injury in Wellington lingered despite a brief return to the side in October. He did not play again for his hometown club.