MELBOURNE Victory may be focused on a late push for the finals but it hasn't lost sight of the future, signing captain Adrian Leijer and duo Matthew Foschini and Petar Franjic.

The defensive trio were all out of contract at the end of the season but Leijer and Foschini have been extended until 2014 while Franjic has been handed an extra year.

As Victory prepares to host league leader Central Coast on Friday, Leijer was one of several key Victory players to miss yesterday's session at Gosch's Paddock as he recovers from the shoulder injury he's carried for the past two games.

Harry Kewell was restricted to gym work, while suspended Grant Brebner was unsighted.

But Billy Celeski and Tom Pondeljak trained strongly as they pushed for a call up and teenager James Jeggo played in the first XI during a brief training game.

In Leijer's absence, Spaniard Ubay Luzardo slotted alongside Mark Milligan in central defence.

Luzardo has signed on loan from Hong Kong side Kitchee SC for the rest of the season but Victory was last night awaiting an international clearance.

Football Federation Australia has confirmed Kevin Muscat would have a three-match suspension to serve if he decided to register himself.

Former Socceroo Mark Bosnich has called for Muscat to come out of retirement to help salvage Victory's ailing season.

Muscat served five of his eight-match suspension for the tackle on Adrian Zahra.

Milligan, who could move into midfield this week, said Muscat was outstanding in yesterday's session.

"I think if he had the option, he definitely would, I think the fire still burns strong in Musky's belly," he said.

Milligan said despite the results he had sensed progress at Victory.

"The coach has got his plan and the boys are slowly taking to that," Milligan said.

"It was tough on the weekend as it was a derby, but we've worked hard on that defensive structure and we kept a clean sheet.

"We have a great deal of striker power in that front third and it seems to be coming together."

Fred is a chance to return for Melbourne Heart's trip to Newcastle Jets after joining in yesterday's training session.

Originally published as Victory defensive trio re-sign