Sydney FC will be forced to begin its 2008/09 Hyundai A-League campaign without its marquee signing, with John Aloisi ruled out of action with a foot injury.
Sydney FC will be forced to begin its 2008/09 Hyundai A-League campaign without its marquee signing, with John Aloisi ruled out of action with a foot injury.
The 32-year-old was on track with his recovery from a knee injury but has been hit by a separate setback that will see him sidelined for up to six weeks, virtually ruling him out of Sydney-s season opener against Melbourne Victory on August 16.
Aloisi was set to sit out Saturday night-s opening round Pre Season Cup match against the Queensland Roar through suspension, but will now miss up to five extra weeks with the foot problem.
Sydney FC coach, John Kosmina concedes Aloisi-s loss is a blow to his side.
“It-s disappointing because he was progressing so well,” said Kosmina. “Everyone knows the issues he-s had with his knee, but he was on track and when he joined in training the whole quality of the session always lifted.”
Despite the setback, Kosmina remains focused on the positives, with a long, hard season ahead.
“You-ve got to cope with these sorts of things, but look it-s better that it happened now than in season, much better,” the coach explained.
Aloisi has begun rehabilitation on his foot injury and hopes to be back on the field by the early rounds of the Hyundai A-League season.