Terriers snap back on Mooy

DAVID WAGNER says Huddersfield are acting in Aaron Mooy’s best interests in their Asian Cup stand-off with Australia.

The Socceroos caused a shock by naming the midfielder in their squad for the tournament next month, even though the Terriers have insisted he will not be fit until at least February.

Mooy, right, tore the medial ligament in his right knee during Huddersfield’s defeat at Arsenal on December 8.

But Australia manager Graham Arnold has claimed that the 28-year-old “believes he will be ready to go” to the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Football Federation Australia senior physio Phil Coles has flown to England to hold talks with the Terriers after looking at Mooy’s injury. Huddersfield head coach Wagner, who is preparing for a home game against fellow strugglers Southampton tomorrow, said: “Australia have asked for a second opinion, which we completely respect.

“We all together have to respect and accept that it is not about Australia, the Asian Cup or Huddersfield Town – it’s about Aaron Mooy and his future career.”

JACK WILSHERE’S latest injury setback is a cause for concern at West Ham, with manager Manuel Pellegrini not knowing when he will be fit.

Midfielder Wilshere, right, has managed just five minutes on the pitch since September due to problems with both ankles.

Better news for Pellegrini is that Marko Arnautovic is nearer to returning after a hamstring injury.