Melbourne Victory captain Kevin Muscat is highly likely to return for Friday week's inaugural Melbourne derby against Heart, but doubts persist over the fitness of Grant Brebner and Carlos Hernandez.
The first true Hyundai A-League derby was postponed for six days because of a clash with the AFL's Grand Final Replay and that has proven a blessing for Victory who will have an extra week to ensure their captain is over an ankle injury which has seen him miss the past three matches.
Muscat trained strongly on Wednesday and appears certain to lead his side out against their cross-town rivals on Friday week.
"The bonus is it gives another week for Kevin to get sharp. He's looking good," coach Ernie Merrick said. "I'll know more by Tuesday. When he's not out there on the pitch, he's been working very hard in the gym. He's in the gym more than anyone."
But Brebner faces a race against time to be fit for the match after breaking two toes in a recent match against North Queensland, while the wear and tear of a physical start to the A-League season is starting to take its toll on Johnny Warren Medallist Hernandez, who has soreness in his ankle.
"Brebs is probably a big question mark still. Carlos has taken a beating. He's been tackled from behind a lot, his ankles and calves are taking a bit of a pounding. There's a bit of a question mark over Carlos as well."
Had the match been played as scheduled this Saturday, there is a good chance that Merrick would have been without four of his regular starters, Muscat, Brebner, Hernandez as well as Mate Dugandzic, who fell ill during his recent trip with the Olyroos and has come back feeling lethargic.
Merrick, who hopes to have all four available, has given his players four days off over this weekend in a bid to freshen up for what he says is a much-anticipated match
"We've got a week of what I think will be good publicity and good build up and the boys will get into the spirit of it. There is a really good feel among the side and we feel we are playing good football," he said.
Defender Adrian Leijer, who has been captain in Muscat's absence, said the prospect of a first Melbourne derby is very special for the players.
"As soon as the draw came out, we looked when we were playing them. Although that's been put back a week, it doesn't change anything. It's a massive game for us and as players we haven't had the proper derby experience since Knights v South Melbourne in Melbourne," he said.
"For us to have that that massive occasion three games a year to look forward to is pretty special."