Mark Milligan suffers knee injury during Melbourne Victory's pre-season loss ... - Herald Sun

Mark Milligan's knee injury will worry Melbourne Victory and Socceroo fans. Source: Getty Images

MELBOURNE Victory lost its final pre-season match 2-1 to Adelaide United, but even more concerning may be a knee injury to midfielder Mark Milligan.

The Socceroo was replaced with 15 minutes to play as he limped off aided by Victory’s medical staff.

Milligan, who only came on at half-time with Victory appearing to pick its side with an eye on the Round 1 derby against Melbourne Heart in nine days, was due to depart for Socceroos duty on Sunday.

Milligan, who already had his knee strapped, may now be in doubt for Australia’s European friendlies against France on Saturday week and Canada four days later.

Kosta Barbarouses, who is also due to miss Round 1 as New Zealand has a friendly, scored an 83rd minute consolation goal for Victory.

With Victory selecting its first 11 based on players who will be available for the Etihad Stadium clash, Jimmy Jeggo replaced Milligan in midfield while James Troisi replaced Barbarouses but he played centrally with Archie Thompson pushing to the flank.

Adelaide had the first genuine chance of the game when Brent McGrath had his header tipped over the bar by keeper Nathan Coe.

Adelaide opened the scoring on 23 minutes when Fabio Ferreira released Daniel Bowles with a clever flick before the United right-back crossed into a crowded Victory penalty area.

Jeronimo couldn’t believe his luck the ball landed at his feet after a Victory mix-up and the composed Argentine waited for Coe to commit before tucking it away in the bottom corner.

Thompson had a golden chance seven minutes later after a Connor Pain cross but United keeper Eugene Galekovic was up to the task.

Adelaide midfielder Steven Lustica, playing as an attacking midfielder, then unleashed a lethal long range strike that was tipped over by sub keeper John Hall.

Victory made changes at the break with Milligan replacing Leigh Broxham, while Gui Finkler also came on at half time for Mitch Nichols.

Troisi’s final contribution before making way for Barbarouses was a magnificent through ball releasing Pain behind the Adelaide defence, but he blasted wide.

Adelaide then doubled their lead when teenager Awer Mabil crossed for Tarek Elrich in the 72nd minute.

But Barbarouses netted with less than 10 minutes to go when he was released by Thompson and rounded Coe.

Adelaide also used the opportunity to experiment, with Mabil, Jordan Elsey, Jake Barker-Daish, Cam Watson and keeper John Hall all coming on.