Australia want second opinion on injured Mooy

SYDNEY: Socceroos coach Graham Arnold on Friday said he has not given up on injured Huddersield star Aaron Mooy playing at the Asian Cup despite the Premier League club announcing he will be out until February.

The Australian midfielder, who has been in fine form this season, suffered a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the defeat at Arsenal last weekend.

This led to Huddersfield announcing on Wednesday he will be sidelined until February in a blow to the Socceroos who defend their Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates in January.

Arnold said Mooy was such a significant player that he wanted a second opinion, with their own physiotherapist travelling to Huddersfield to review the situation.

“We have agreed on this plan with Huddersfield Town and know that they are doing everything they can to manage Aaron’s injury,” Arnold said.

“However, with such an important tournament coming up for Australia we want to explore every option available to give Aaron the chance to feature for the Socceroos in the United Arab Emirates.

“Of course, Aaron’s long-term career and fitness remains our primary concern and we will not rush him to return to match play before he is safe and confident to do so.

“However, we are also committed to leaving no stone unturned in our attempt to have him available for us at the tournament.”

An assessment of Mooy’s injury is due by Dec.21 with Socceroos medical staff then making a final determination on whether he can play at the tournament.