MELBOURNE Victory’s poor start to the season will be compounded with defender James Donachie set to be ruled out until 2018.

Donachie, 24, is booked in to see a specialist on Tuesday but the early diagnosis is grim with the defender set to be sidelines for at least a few months with a torn quadriceps.

It looms as a far worse scenario than Victory had hoped, with coach Kevin Muscat hinting that it was a hip flexor injury after the 2-1 loss to Melbourne City on Saturday night.

Donachie clutched at his leg in the 83rd minute and tried to play on, but plans to stand upfront were scuppered as he could barely walk.

BIG MONEY: ANGE’S 3.8M CHINA COACHING CARROT

NOT IDEAL: GALLOP RESPONDS TO ANGE BOMBSHELL

EXPANSION: WHY MELBOURNE VICTORY NEEDS A NEW RIVAL

He then hobbled to the bench as Victory finished the game with 10 men, as Matias Sanchez dropped back to cover as Muscat had made his three substitutions.

Young defender Thomas Deng, who was dropped after filling in at left-back in Round 1, is likely to come into the team for the Friday night’s visit to Adelaide United.

Mark Milligan, whose preference is to play midfield, and Leigh Broxham, who’s been earmarked for left-back this season, are other options.

media_camera James Donachie (left, number 17) tackles City winger Nick Fitzgerald. Photo by AAP Image.

The injury is a massive blow for Donachie, who had a strong start to the season following on from last season’s impressive debut campaign after joining from Brisbane Roar.

He was developing a strong bond with new signing Rhys Williams after a solid partnership with Spaniard Alan Baro last term.

It may also dent the title hopes of Victory, who have had an impeccable injury record in recent seasons, after Donachie had stood tall late last season and featured in the grand final loss to Sydney FC.

@davutovic

@ALeagueCon