Trent Sainsbury's World Cup hopes reignite with Australia

Sainsbury had secured himself an impressive transfer to Europe and the Eredivisie at the age of 22, yet his first outing for Dutch side PEC Zwolle was almost career-ending. 

In what can only be described as a freak accident, the defender fell on the pitch and landed on a sprinkler. The resulting injury fractured his kneecap and put paid to his World Cup aspirations.

Back in 2016 Sainsbury said: ''It was almost like a bad break-up. You don't expect that sort of thing to happen on a professional football pitch in Europe in one of the bigger leagues. It's just crazy.''

Five months after sustaining the injury, he was back in training and then-manager of the Australia national side Ange Postecoglou was very quick on the uptake to include Sainsbury in his squad.

The decision was one that benefitted both parties, as the defender featured in the starting lineup for all six games as the Socceroos went on to claim the 2015 Asian Cup title at home.

Fast forward to the present day, and Sainsbury is within touching distance of his World Cup dream again, particularly as manager Bert van Marwijk has already mentioned how crucial he is to the team.

Sainsbury's former team-mate Daniel McBreen told 'The Guardian': ''He's a consummate professional but he always likes to have a laugh or a joke. He wants to get the best out of himself but he also likes to have a laugh along the way as well.'' 

The now 26-year-old has impressed with some stellar displays in defensive midfield, but is most valuable having played in all but one of Australia's qualifying matches last year as they secured their spot in the World Cup this summer.