Niggles out star ’Roos
ATTACKING pair Tom Rogic and Robbie Kruse have been omitted from Australia’s 24man squad for tomorrow night’s clash against Lebanon at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
They started in the Socceroos’ 1-1 draw with South Korea on Saturday in Brisbane, but have been ruled out of the battle with Lebanon to “manage minor injuries”.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has named a 24-man squad that includes Tim Cahill, who will make his farewell appearance for Australia.
Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant and Adelaide United winger Craig Goodwin, who were train-on squad members in Brisbane, have been elevated to the main.
Newcastle Jets attacking midfielder Dimitri Petratos and Melbourne Victory defender Thomas Deng, who were also train-on squad members last week, have been released early to go back to their clubs.
Arnold will reduce the squad by a player tomorrow.
“There is a short turnaround to Tuesday’s match against Lebanon, so Tom and Robbie, who both performed well on Saturday evening but have minor knee and groin injuries respectively, won’t be risked,” he said.
“Thomas and Dimitri both did well in training in Brisbane but they won’t be part of the Lebanon fixture.”
“Our medical and performance staff will continue to monitor the group leading into Tuesday’s game and together we will make a decision regarding the final 23 players for match day.
“With limited matches and training days with the team leading up to next year’s AFC Asian Cup it is important we provide as many players as possible with the chance to integrate into our system, and the match against Lebanon gives us a great chance.”