Flexible strategy to cover for Mooy

FOOTBALL SOCCEROOS coach Graham Arnold says he has a Plan A and a Plan B for how to replace Aaron Mooy should the midfielder’s injury rule him out of the Asian Cup.

Mooy has undergone three medical assessments on his knee since suffering the injury on duty for Huddersfield Town a fortnight ago.

First came the initial diagnosis from his club of a twomonth lay-off, leading to the English Premier League club ruling out Mooy from the tournament.

In the past two days, Mooy and the Socceroos have asked for further assessments from national team physio Phil Coles and an independent third party.

Huddersfield and the Socceroos will compare notes and come to an agreement on the 28-year-old’s availability.

No one believes Mooy will be fit for Australia’s group stage opener with Jordan on January 6, but the discussion will be whether Mooy can recover for the later stages of the tournament.

Arnold’s first choice is to select Mooy if he can play a role in the knockout phase, which begins January 20.

But the wily back-up options.

“I have two plans in my head,” Arnold said

“One plan is to go with another attacker, because Mark Milligan can push into midfield and so can Rhyan Grant.

“Or I go for another six (holding midfielder) because the way I expect us to play is high-intensity running. Having so many games in a short time, we have to make sure we have a lot of personnel.”

Australia’s final squad lodgement date is just hours before the Jordan match but Arnold is keen to finalise his 23-man squad today. Given many players will be in action before linking up in the UAE on December 27, Arnold has a 10-man standby list. coach has