Thompson is feared to have broken a bone in his foot while Kruse may have chipped his shoulder bone in the off-the-ball clash with Gold Coast United hardman  Steve Pantelidis in last weekend's feisty encounter.

Both were seen by medics today to have MRI scans and the club is awaiting a report from doctors overnight.

The loss of both players would leave Victory struggling for firepower in the final third as they go into the most mportant games of the season in a three-horse race for the Premiership.

Neck and neck with Gold Coast United and only two points clear of Sydney FC who they meet in the last game of the season at Sydney Football Stadium, Victory will be hoping at least one of the pair will be fit enough to play.

The loss of Ney Fabiano and Danny Allsop earlier in the season has now left Melbourne short of dedicated strikers, with Kruse having been pushed forward from midfield to help the attack while youngster Nathan Elasi is out of favour with coach Ernie Merrick.

A lengthy spell on the sidelines for either - or both - could jeopardise Victory's hopes of defending both their Premiership and Championship titles.

A club spokesman said Merrick should know the full extent of the problem at tomorrow training session. Victory face North Queensland Fury at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.