Sydney FC marquee signing, John Aloisi is taking a philosophical approach to dealing with his latest injury setback, looking on it as an opportunity to get himself fully fit ahead of his delayed debut with his new club.
Sydney FC marquee signing, John Aloisi is taking a philosophical approach to dealing with his latest injury setback, looking on it as an opportunity to get himself fully fit ahead of his delayed debut with his new club.
After minor off-season knee surgery, the 32-year-old was on track to take his place in the Sydney side for the start of the 2008/09 Hyundai A-League competition, but a foot injury suffered last week has put paid to those plans.
“It-s hard to take because the injury that I was carrying is good, the knee feels brilliant and this flared up last week,” said Aloisi. “It-s one of those things that happens in football and sport and now I just have to get over it and look at the positives.”
The positive for Aloisi and Sydney FC is that the injury has occurred now, not during the season, meaning the Sydney star shouldn-t miss too much football.
Coach John Kosmina explained,“you can-t really describe it as a blessing in disguise, but while it-s disappointing, it-ll give Johnny a chance to get himself right and we should have him back by the 2nd or 3rd game of the season.”
For the Socceroo striker the focus now shifts to recovery, and getting himself ready to return to the field.
“Rest and treatment and do what I can do to keep fit, you know I-ve got a good base now because I-ve had a pretty good pre-season.” Aloisi added, “I want to make sure it-s 100%, and make sure that I don-t break down again during the season, that-s why it-s not bad that it-s happened now rather than in a month or two.”
Sydney FC has added its marquee star to the Hyundai A-League-s long-term injury list and may soon be in the market for a short-term replacement to take Aloisi-s place up front.
The player himself is staying positive.
“The thing about sport is you do get setbacks, and the thing is you have to be strong minded and you have to get through these tough times too.”
Aloisi is expected to return to the Sydney FC lineup against either his old club, the Central Coast Mariners in round 2, or at home against Perth Glory in round 3.
Tomorrow night Sydney will begin its Pre-Season Cup campaign against the Queensland Roar in Campbelltown.
