Socceroos striker John Aloisi is staying positive despite his latest injury setback, believing it will give him time to reach full fitness before kicking off his Sydney FC career.
The A-League club's marquee player was on track with his recovery from off-season knee surgery but has been hit by a separate foot problem that will put him out of action for up to six weeks.
The 32-year-old is now little chance of playing in Sydney's season-opener against Melbourne Victory on August 16 and is instead likely to make his club debut against his former team Central Coast in round two or Perth Glory in round three.
"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.
"But 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."
Aloisi had been preparing to sit out Saturday night's opening pre-season cup match against Queensland through suspension, but said he would now use the extra time to ensure he was in the top shape for his return to action.
"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 said.
"I want to make sure it's 100 per cent, 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.
"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."
Sydney FC coach John Kosmina was disappointed at losing his star striker for the entire pre-season campaign but was confident he wouldn't miss too much A-League action.
"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 second or third game of the season," Kosmina said.
Aloisi scored seven goals for the Mariners in his debut A-League season before joining Sydney FC earlier this year.
