Cloud over Sainsbury for World Cup qualifiers
SOCCEROOS defender Trent Sainsbury is in doubt for Australia's World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand with a groin injury.
Sainsbury was a stand-out at the Confederations Cup in June and was playing a starring role against Chile before injury forced him off.
He has not played for his Chinese club Jiangsu Suning since.
Sainsbury's ongoing injury could force him out of the 23-man squad coach Ange Postecoglou names on Wednesday.
The central defender is a crucial cog in an unsettled defensive unit.
Matthew Spiranovic, playing in China's second division, hasn't featured for the Socceroos this year and has battled a quad injury of his own.
But now fit again, the Victorian could return for the clash with Japan in Saitama next Thursday.
Other options for Postecoglou include handing a surprise debut to South Korean-based Matthew Jurman, while Bailey Wright came on for Sainsbury against Chile.
