Socceroo injury blow

The Socceroo injury curse has struck again with news Michael Zullo could be sidelined for up to ninth months after reportedly tearing the cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Zullo's Dutch club confirmed the injury on Twitter, after the 25-year-old twisted awkwardly at training.

It’s a cruel blow for Zullo, who was training to establish himself in the Utrecht first team after spending last season on loan in the Hyundai A-League with Adelaide United.

“I immediately felt that something was wrong," Zullo said on Sport Promotion.

"I hope it’s not too serious and I’m out for most of the year.”

Zullo, who missed out on a spot in the Socceroos World Cup squad, is in the final year of his deal with the Dutch club.

Yesterday it was confirmed that starting XI Socceroo defender Matt Spiranovic will have an operation on his ankle and will be out for around 10 weeks.