A-League: Sydney FC’s Chris Zuvela to miss a year of football after suffering a serious knee injury

Sydney FC midfielder Chris Zuvela has again suffered a serious knee injury and will be sidelined for a year.

Sydney FC’s Chris Zuvela will be sidelined for a year with a knee injury. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Sydney FC midfielder Chris Zuvela’s worst fears have been confirmed, with the 24-year-old to be sidelined for a year after rupturing the ACL in his left knee.

Zuvela suffered the injury making a tackle just minutes after coming on as a substitute in Sydney’s 2-1 win over Wellington last Monday night at Jubilee Stadium.

It’s the second time Zuvela has torn an ACL, having suffered a similar injury to his right knee at training during Sydney’s 2018-19 campaign.

Chris Zuvela is stretchered off the field after hurting his knee in Sydney’s defeat of Wellington. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“It’s pretty tough to be going through it all once again,” he said.

“I have to stay mentally strong, and I’ve got great support from the club and my family who are all around me.

“I’m sure I can pull through this. I just need support from everyone.

“They boys told me to stay strong in the changing room afterwards. `Bimbi’ (coach Steve Corica), Rhyan Grant and Alex Baumjohann all told me they’ve done it twice and come through it stronger.

“That’s given me the confidence and trust to know that doing the hard yards will ensure I come out of it okay.”

Corica said it was “hugely disappointing” for Zuvela, who will have surgery next week.

“He’ll get the best medical and recovery support from the club to help him through this and everyone here wants to see him return to playing for the Sky Blues as soon as possible,” Corica said.

Originally published as A-League: Sydney FC’s Chris Zuvela to miss a year of football after suffering a serious knee injury