Archie out until 2011

Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson faces 9-12 months on the sidelines after it was confirmed that he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Saturday's Grand Final loss to Sydney.

Thompson collided with Sydney defender Simon Colosimo ten minutes into the contest and immediately went to ground clutching his knee.

It was clear when he tried to put pressure on the leg that he was in serious trouble and he immediately left the field.

A scan on Sunday confirmed a rupture of both the anterior and medial ligament, which will see him out of action until at least 2011.

The injury has ended Thompson's hopes of representing Australia at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but the striker is already focused on making a full recovery.

"I'm so disappointed," Thompson said.

"Last night was such a big game for the club and the supporters and this year was going to be such a big year with the AFC Champions League and World Cup to come."

"But I'm going to come back bigger and stronger. What doesn't kill you can only make you stronger."

Thompson is the third Melbourne player to require a knee reconstruction this season after Billy Celeski and Matthew Kemp both suffered ACL injuries.

Mate Dugandzic has been called into Melbourne's 18-man squad for the AFC Champions League match against Kawasaki Frontale at Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium on Tuesday.