The 22-year-old has clocked up more air miles than most during the past fortnight, flying to Germany and back where he featured in Australia's shock 2-1 friendly win before jumping on a plane with his Victory team-mates only one day after returning from Europe.

Unable to get a direct flight to Tianjin from Melbourne, Victory flew to the South Korean capital of Seoul where they had an overnight stop before making their way to the city of 12 million in North China.

Victory interim coach Mehmet Durakovic explained the trip had taken its toll on Kruse, who will be conspicious by his absence in the starting line-up with Archie Thompson and Costa Rican Carlos Hernandez preferred.

"Robbie's had a really long trip, he got back Friday morning to Australia and the next day we had to fly to South Korea and China," Durakovic said.

"He's a bit jet-lagged and tired to be fair, so Robbie's getting as much treatment as he can off the pitch and hopefully he might come on in the second-half."

Languishing at the bottom of Group E after defeats in their opening two matches, Victory need to leave China with at least a point to keep their slim hopes of progressing to the next stage alive.

But it won't be easy against a Tianjin Teda team who sit atop the group with six points and are coached by former Dutch international midfielder Arie Haan.

"They are an attacking team, I've watched both their games and they have had good wins, at home and away to be on six points," Durakovic said.

"It is a must-win situation, if we can get a win it will be absolutely phenomenal for our chances to qualify for the next round."

In a bid to spark some life into the Victory team, Durakovic has rung the changes with Hernandez, goalkeeper Tando Velaphi, midfielder Leigh Broxham and defender Matthew Foschini coming into the starting line-up.

Three of the changes have been forced ones due to injury with Danny Allsopp (groin), Marvin Angulo (hip flexor) and Matthew Kemp (knee) left home in Australia, but Durakovic is happy with the team at his disposal.

"I've made a few changes that I think are right," Durakovic said.

"We've put in a few youngsters, they've been working hard on the training pitch and when the time comes they'll have a good game."

The inclusion of Velaphi for his Victory debut after 86 A-League appearances with Perth Glory at the expense of Michael Petkovic is a bold step by Durakovic, but one the man himself is happy to take.

Durakovic added: "Tando's done really, really well at training and I just think it's time to give Tando a chance for this important game."