Aussies Abroad: Mooy sharp on Premier League return

Aaron Mooy made an impressive comeback from injury for Huddersfield Town in this morning’s (AEDT) 1-0 Premier League loss to Everton.

The Socceroos midfielder had been sidelined with knee ligament damage since early December but returned to the Terriers’ midfield in new boss Jan Siewert’s maiden match in charge.

Mooy replaced Jonathan Hogg in the 55^th minute to a rousing reception and was the most likely source of a Huddersfield equaliser, who dominated proceedings following Lucas Digne’s dismissal.

Mooy played a number of incisive passes to keep Everton under the pump, and saw a clever free kick spectacularly palmed away by Jordan Pickford.

The narrow defeat cuts Huddersfield six points adrift of 19^th-placed Fulham, who emerged big winners from this morning’s fixtures thanks to a 4-2 triumph over Mathew Ryan’s Brighton and Hove Albion.

Ryan was back between the posts for Chris Hughton’s side and made a fine stop from Fulham attacker Ryan Babel in the opening half.

However, the Socceroos goalkeeper was unable to prevent a second half comeback from the Aleksandar Mitrovic-inspired Cottagers, who hit four unanswered goals to ignite their Premier League survival tilt.

Robbie Kruse’s VfL Bochum were also in action this morning, beating MSV Duisburg 2-1 in the 2. Bundesliga. The Socceroos attacker was not in the matchday squad.

Matthew Jurman was also not involved for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League this morning, who drew 0-0 with Al Shabab.