Wagner digs in over Mooy

DAVID WAGNER insists 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 insist he will not be fit until February.

Mooy (inset) tore the medial ligament in his right knee during the defeat at

Arsenal on December 8, with his club ruling him out for eight weeks.

But

Australia boss Graham Arnold has claimed the 28-year-old himself “believes he will be ready to go” to the United Arab Emirates.

Football Federation Australia – the country’s governing body – has flown in its senior physio Phil Coles, who will hold talks with the Terriers’ medical team on Sunday after looking at the injury today. Huddersfield boss Wagner, who is preparing his side for a crucial Premier League home game against relegation rivals Southampton tomorrow, is standing by the initial assessment. Wagner said: “Our medical department said what the images and clinical tests have shown.

“We all have to accept it is not about Australia, the Asian Cup or Huddersfield – it’s about Aaron Mooy’s future career.” Australia kick off at the Asian Cup against Jordan on January 6, with all players selected having to join up with their squad two weeks before their opening game.

The cup runs until February 1, with Huddersfield certain Mooy would still not be fit even by then.