Australia skipper Mile Jedinak is out of the Socceroos FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes against Bangladesh and Tajikistan after failing to recover from a hamstring injury in time for the trip to Perth.
Jedinak was due to fly out of the UK on Sunday to meet up with the squad, but a hamstring injury while playing for Crystal Palace in the League Cup has put an end to his involvement.
“Mile picked up a hamstring injury that will keep him out for a short period of time so he won’t be making the trip for the games against Bangladesh and Tajikistan,” Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou revealed today.
Jedinak is joined by Tomi Juric and Robbie Kruse on the sidelines and the trio will be replaced by Italian based attacker Chris Ikonomidis, striker Ben Halloran and Brisbane Roar midfielder Luke Brattan.
“Tomi (Juric) and Robbie (Kruse) have had recent injuries and after speaking to our medical staff we believe they are better served staying with their clubs to regain match fitness and not undertake the travel so they are available for matches in the next window,” Postecoglou added.
“It gives Chris, Ben and Luke Brattan a great opportunity to come into the group and impress.
“The players will start arriving into Perth on Sunday night as we prepare for two important matches during this stage of World Cup Qualification.”
source:theworldgame.sbs.com.au
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 