Two scans failed to detect Boyle’s season-ending injury

AUSTRALIA boss Graham Arnold has revealed how two scans on Martin Boyle failed to detect his season-ending injury before he flew to Qatar to join the Socceroos squad. The Hibs winger was ruled out of the tournament before a 4-1 defeat to world champions France on Tuesday. His club then released a statement confirming the 29-year-old had undergone surgery in Qatar after he was found to have a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Despite the crushing blow of learning that his season is over, Boyle has remained to support his international team-mates in their games against Tunisia today and Denmark on Wednesday. Asked if the episode could have been avoided with an earlier diagnosis, Arnold said: ‘Very much. Martin got that injury and three weeks ago he went down to Manchester and then Edinburgh and got MRI scans. He kept feeling it and then he got another MRI here in Qatar. It was finally diagnosed as an ACL injury and it’s very disappointing, but the kid is in great spirits. He is just such a wonderful person who brings great energy to the team. ‘Even though he has missed out on this World Cup, he is such an important piece of the jigsaw puzzle behind the scenes.’ Flanked by Dundee United left-back Aziz Behich at a pre-match press conference, Arnold added: ‘Aziz is great mates with Martin and he is just here to support the boys and make them happy.’ Taking to Instagram to break his silence on the injury, Boyle said: ‘Not the news I expected after an emotional rollercoaster of three weeks to learn I needed my ACL repaired. Only visible when I needed my op and surgeons did what was best for me. ‘I’ve great support around me and I’ve been through it all before and no doubt be back stronger than ever. Thank you for all the best wishes — it means a lot.’ Boyle won’t be the only SPFL star missing from the starting line-up against Tunisia after Hearts right-back Nathaniel Atkinson was injured against France. ‘It’s one step at a time for Nathaniel, that’s why we took him off the other night,’ said Arnold. ‘He got a bit of a knock on the ankle and Fran Karacic will come in.’ Defeat to France means the Socceroos need to take something in the Al Janoub Stadium today. Competing in their fifth straight finals, Arnold admits they need to start improving on a poor record in the group stages. ‘We’ve won two games in 17, so it’s not a fantastic record overall,’ he said. Tunisia’s passionate fanbase are filling the streets of Doha and, preparing for Australia’s first game in the lunchtime sunshine. Arnold expects a hot reception in more ways than one. He added: ‘It’s going to be great to play in front of such an exciting group of fans.’