Socceroos’ injury woes continue to grow
FOOTBALL: The Socceroos’ injury crisis continues to claim big names, with Andrew Nabbout and Josh Risdon appearing in serious doubt to play in Australia’s crunch Asian Cup clash with Palestine.
It follows the news Tom Rogic broke his hand during Sunday’s shock 1-0 loss to Jordan, though it’s expected he’ll be fit for a second group game already being treated as a final.
Forward Nabbout was withdrawn from the Jordan game with a groin issue sustained in the final pre-match training session, and right-back Risdon was pulled off at half-time with a similar problem.
Initial predictions from within camp suggested Nabbout might be ready to return for the Socceroos’ second match, in Dubai on Friday.
“I doubt that,” Socceroos assistant coach Rene Meulensteen said.
“I don’t know the final detail of that ... after he did it he said he was fine and he woke up the next morning and he wasn’t fine, so we’re not going to take any risk with that. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t fit for that game.”
Muelensteen added: “Risdon, again I don’t think he’ll be fit. He overstretched himself in the abdominal area and these are very bad injuries that you can’t really do anything about.
“You can’t inject them or tape them or whatever it is.
“He’s going to need review but, again, I think he’ll be a doubt for Palestine.
“You want your best players on the pitch ... but we don’t spend any energy thinking about that ... we’ve got plenty of good players to come in with a lot of energy who are keen to impress.”
A Socceroos spokesperson later endeavoured to allay concerns about Nabbout and Risdon, saying they remained “in contention for the Palestine fixture”.
The potential absence of two first-team players would open the door for other squad members, with Sydney FC’s Rhyan Grant the likely replacement at right-back after adding energy off the bench against Jordan.
Up front, coach Graham Arnold may opt to start Jamie Maclaren again in the hope his teammates are able to get the ball to him against a similarly defensive Palestine side.
Meanwhile, favourites Iran began their campaign with a 5-0 win over Yemen, and China came from behind to beat Kyrgyzstan 2-1. South Korea struggled to beat the Philippines 1-0.