Melbourne Victory will have to face league leaders Perth Glory without star winger Fahid Ben Khalfallah after the Tunisian international picked up a third yellow card of the season in the dying moments of his team's 1-0 win over the Newcastle Jets.

The French-born wide man had had an outstanding game, running at Newcastle defenders and threatening to open up the stubborn visitors on his own on a number of occasions.

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat watches Saturday's game. Credit:Getty Images

His skill and physicality will be badly missed against the rugged West Australians, who combine physical toughness at the back with slick counter attacking and a ruthless approach in the forward third.

His coach, Kevin Muscat, was full of praise for Ben Khalfallah's performance – but he could not hide his frustration at the fact that he will now be suspended after picking up a caution for time-wasting in the dying moments of a tense finale.