MELBOURNE Victory captain Carl Valeri is looking increasingly unlikely to play again this season, with the club on Wednesday revealing that his return date remained “indefinite”.

The midfielder requires further tests for his inflammatory brain condition which have affected his balance, and left him sidelined since the 2-1 win over Adelaide United on November 28.

Victory hoped to get clarity on Valeri’s condition by now, having continually stating January 18 as the decisive date for test results.

However it’s the second time that Victory has revealed a delay in releasing scan results, underlining the complexities and uncertainties associated with Valeri’s condition.

Valeri, 31, is likely to be named in Victory’s preliminary Asian Champions League squad, due to be submitted by Sunday, to give him encouragement about a potential return.

Muscat said Valeri, who was doing low intensity gym work at AAMI Park, was improving but could not reveal when he would rejoin the group.

“After further testing, Carl has shown significant improvement from last month,’’ Muscat said.

“We will continue to work closely with his doctors to monitor his condition, but we are still yet to determine when he can return to training.

“We should be in a position to give a further update in the next 10-14 days, but at present, his return date remains indefinite.

“Carl is very appreciative of the support he has received, and the respect of his privacy, during this time.”

Thus far Victory has only been able to rule out serious conditions stroke, cancer and vertigo.

Victory’s doctor Krishant Naidu said five weeks ago that they expected to know the true nature of his condition within a fortnight.

“Carl developed a medical condition two weeks ago that affects his balance and co-ordination. He had a viral upper respiratory tract infection in the week leading up to this,” Dr Naidu said.

“He has had specialist reviews with an ear, nose and throat surgeon and a neurologist with extensive investigations. To date, these have revealed an inflammatory condition affecting part of his brain.

“The complete results of these tests will not be known for at least a further two weeks. These results will likely elucidate the exact nature of this illness.’’

Valeri’s condition has been cause for concern since he collapsed at training just a day before he was due to travel with the squad for the trip to Wellington Phoenix.

He has played just seven games since replacing Mark Milligan as Victory skipper, four in the A-League and three in the FFA Cup, including the 2-0 final win over Perth Glory when he was controversially barred from holding up the trophy after his red card.

Valeri has won 52 Socceroos caps.