Wellington Phoenix’s returning star Sarpreet Singh ruled out for eight weeks

Thursday, 19 February 2026

The former Wellington Phoenix star is returning to the club that launched his career.

Wellington Phoenix have been dealt a major blow on the eve of this weekend’s New Zealand derby, losing new signing Sarpreet Singh to a knee injury after just one appearance for the club.

The Phoenix were hoping the return of the All Whites star would help them end Auckland FC’s run of five consecutive derby victories at Sky Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Instead, they have confirmed he will be ruled out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury.

Tim Payne will also miss the match with a hamstring injury, robbing the Phoenix of two potential All Whites starters.

Singh had only just joined the Phoenix on loan from Serbian club TSC, further strengthening the side following the arrival of Bill Tuiloma and Sander Kartum.

Singh sustained the medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee in a strong tackle from defender Phillip Cancar in the 55th minute of last Friday’s 2-2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers in Parramatta.

He was treated on the field by a physio and immediately replaced by Corban Piper.

Sarpreet Singh receives treatment after hurting his knee during the Phoenix’s 2-2 draw with the Wanderers last Friday.

Singh’s absence means both teams will be without a key figure for the sixth showdown between New Zealand’s two A-League Men sides on Saturday.

Auckland striker Sam Cosgrove, their leading scorer, will miss the match through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Lebanese international Ramy Najjarine looms as the most likely replacement for Singh in the Phoenix starting XI.

He started 14 straight matches earlier in the season, scoring twice and providing two assists, before dropping to the bench against the Wanderers.

Crucially, Najjarine is the only player in the Phoenix squad to have beaten Auckland, having done so home and away with Western United last season.

Since Auckland’s entry into the competition, the Phoenix have lost all five meetings.

“They’re a quality side, really disciplined and structured,” Najjarine said of Saturday’s opponents.

“They have quality players but in this league anyone can beat anyone at the moment, it’s really tight, so everyone has to be on their game.”

Beyond the immediate derby implications, Singh’s injury is a cruel personal setback.

Sarpreet Singh addresses Phoenix supporters after being unveiled at Sky Stadium.

The 26-year-old returned to the Phoenix seeking regular minutes ahead of the FIFA World Cup after falling out of favour at TSC following a coaching change.

He is now almost certain to miss the All Whites’ upcoming internationals against Finland and Chile at Eden Park next month – a blow for national coach Darren Bazeley, with captain Chris Wood already sidelined and Matt Garbett and Liberato Cacace both under injury clouds.

An eight-week recovery timeline would see Singh return with just two matches remaining in the Phoenix’s regular season, and he could also miss the chance to play in Wellington, with the club scheduled for only one home game in April – against the Wanderers in Christchurch.