Aussies Abroad | Sainsbury sidelined

Former Central Coast Mariners defender Trent Sainsbury has had victory in his Dutch debut soured with news he fractured his knee during the contest.

Former Central Coast Mariners defender Trent Sainsbury has had victory in his Dutch debut soured with news he fractured his knee during the contest.

In his first appearance for PEC Zwolle following his transfer from Gosford to the Eredivisie club, Sainsbury played 72 minutes as his new club recorded a come from behind 2-1 win over FC Utrecht.

However the 22-year-old was forced to come off after suffering a freakish injury on a water sprinkler on the field of play. He has since revealed that he has suffered a fracture in his kneecap that will keep him out of action for the best part of a month.

Sainsbury-s Dutch top-flight debut saw him go up against fellow Australians Adam Sarota and Tommy Oar who both run around for FC Utrecht, while it is also the club of Michael Zullo who is currently on loan with Adelaide United.

The news will come as a huge disappointment to the Socceroo aspirant who was initially hopeful he had not sustained any lasting damage. It is yet another case of the injury jinx that seems to be haunting our Aussies abroad at present, with Robbie Kruse and Rhys Williams both all but ruled out of World Cup contention in the last month.

The result saw Zwolle rise to eighth on the ladder but it was a case of contrasting fortunes for the three Aussies involved - Sainsbury celebrating a victory but picking up an injury in his first game, while Sarota was sent off in the 58th minute and Oar played the full 90 minutes for the losing side.

Sainsbury has signed a two and a half year deal with Zwolle, whose next league game is against league leaders Ajax on Sunday.

Trent Sainsbury played junior football for the Perth Glory youth team. Have you registered to play football this season? Register today www.myfootballclub.com.au