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 out of action 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 injury.

Sydney FC coach, John Kosmina conceded Aloisi’s injury was disappointing, but he remained focused on the positives.

He said: "You’ve got to cope with these sorts of things, but look it’s better that it happened now than in season, much better.

"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.”

Aloisi said: "It’s hard to take because the injury that I was carrying is good, the knee feels brilliant and this flared up last week. “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.

"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.

"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.”

Sydney FC has added its marquee star to the Hyundai A-League’s long-term injury list and may soon be in the market for a short-term replacement to take Aloisi’s place up front.

Aloisi said: "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.”

Aloisi is expected to return to the Sydney FC lineup against either his old club, the Central Coast Mariners in round 2, or at home against Perth Glory in round 3.