Injured Jedinak out of World Cup qualifier

Injured captain Mile Jedinak was yesterday ruled out of Australia’s crunch World Cup play-offs against Syria, as manager Ange Postecoglou included a host of fresh faces in the push to make Russia. The player missed the Socceroos’ final qualifiers with a groin problem and was not used by Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce for the Championship side’s three recent wins. His absence is a blow to Australia’s chances against Syria, with the first leg on October 5 in Malaysia before the return clash in Sydney five days later.