Melbourne Heart will be without a key trio for tonight's match against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand.

Veteran striker John Aloisi, Dutch midfielder Rutger Worm and promising forward Eli Babalj have all succumbed to injury and have not traveled to Wellington.

Worm will be out for up to four weeks with a groin problem whilst Babalj injured his hip and thigh and may miss as many as eight weeks.

Aloisi will be rested ahead of Saturday's home match with his former club Sydney FC.

"Rutger and Eli came up injured after Friday's match (loss to Adelaide United) so they will certainly not be available for the Wellington game, which is disappointing," van 't Schip said.

"With John, we decided that it would be best suited for him to remain in Melbourne to ensure he is completely prepared for the challenge of Saturday night.

"However, one of the team's great strengths is the depth of talent we have available to choose from, so I am confident the players selected to come into the team will be up to the task."