Aussies Abroad: impressive Nabbout injured in Urawa’s win

There was mixed fortunes for Caltex Socceroos attacker Andrew Nabbout in the J-League overnight, setting up a goal before being forced off injured for the Urawa Reds.

In his first start in the league since making the mid-season switch from Newcastle Jets, Nabbout was one of Urawa’s best in the 2-0 win over Kawasaki Frontale.

The 25-year-old was a constant threat with his pace and direct running, setting up Shinzo Koroki’s second goal five minutes after the break which confirmed victory.

After beating Kawasaki's offside trap, Nabbout raced clear into the box before squaring the ball to the Japanese international to slot it in from close range.

But unfortunately for Nabbout, his night ended 15 minutes from time after a heavy collision with the Kawasaki keeper.

Chasing a ball over the top, Nabbout looked like getting to the ball first before he was clattered into by Jung Sung-Ryong, with the gloveman receiving a straight red card.

Nabbout hit the ground hard and left the field clutching his shoulder.

WATCH THE NABBOUT COLLISION BELOW AND IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

It’s awful timing for the powerful attacker, especially with Bert van Marwijk to name his preliminary 2018 FIFA World Cup squad next week.

Nabbout made his Caltex Socceroos debut in the March friendlies against Norway and Colombia and is well in the frame to be on the plane to Russia in June.

Elsewhere in the J-League, keeper Mitch Langerak kept a cleansheet as his Nagoya Grampus played out a goalless draw with Cerezo Osaka.

Defender Milos Degenek watched from the bench for Ange Postecoglou’s Yokohama F.Marinos, who slumped to a 3-1 loss at home against Jubilo Iwata.

Mitch Duke was also left on the bench for Shimizu S-Pulse, who went down 2-0 against Sanfreece Hiroshima.

In the K-League, Matt Jurman continued his good form since his return from injury, playing 90 minutes in defence for Suwon Bluewings as they drew 0-0 with Ulsan Hyundai.

Connor Chapman played another full game for Pohang Steelers as they also drew 0-0 against Incheon United, for whom Kwabena Appiah played the last 23 minutes.

Defender Tomi Mrcela put in a full shift as Jeonnam Dragons drew 1-1 with Sangju Sangmu, while Dylan McGowan came on for the last five minutes in Gangwon’s 5-3 win against Jeju United.