The length of the injury lists has added another ingredient to the potent Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC rivalry.

Sydney FC are currently nursing injury problems with Juninho and Brendan Santalab ruled out for this weekend and an injury cloud hanging over captain Tony Popovic.

Melbourne Victory however, have problems of their own with a number of players needing treatment following round two - and that's a new experience for the club.

“We’re falling apart!” says Victory striker Archie Thompson. “I went to the clinic on Monday to check on my other leg because I had a cork on my hamstring and it really bruised up.

"I had an MRI to see if I’d strained something but it was just a cork and everyone walking into the clinic were team mates - and some of them had already left."

He added: "I went up to the desk and the lady goes, ‘I think about five of your team mates have just been in here in the last hour.’

“It’s a bit frustrating because it’s something that’s never really happened to Victory. We’ve never really had injuries.

"Last year we didn’t really have injury problems so it’s new to us but we’ve got good medical staff so I’m sure it will be alright.”

Injury-aside, Thompson will miss his club's tantalising clash on Friday because of Socceroo duties but hopes he’ll be compensated with a starting spot against Argentina.

“We’ve got Adelaide next which I’d love to play in because that is a massive game," he said. "I don’t think I’ll be released for it but I’m sure the boys will do alright.

“I hope to start against Argentina. They’re such a big team and it’s more special being at the MCG and in front of that crowd. I’d love to start. I want to start.”