Popovic Set To Miss Remainder Of The Confederation

Qantas Socceroo defender Tony Popovic is almost certain to miss the rest of the Confederations Cup after picking up an ankle injury in last Wednesday night’s 4-3 defeat by Germany.

Qantas Socceroo defender Tony Popovic is almost certain to miss the rest of the Confederations Cup after picking up an ankle injury in last Wednesday night-s 4-3 defeat by Germany.

Popovic (pictured right) sustained the injury after a late and crude tackle from German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, early in the second half. He needed to be stretchered off and his ankle has swollen up quite badly.

Popovic-s absence could force coach Frank Farina to reshuffle his line-up with Ljubo Milicevic set to play in his preferred central defence position, while Popovic-s replacement Jon McKain is a likely starter in the defensive midfield role, where Milicevic performed with aplomb against the Germans.

Meanwhile, Mark Viduka is hopeful of getting a run in the match against Argentina on Sunday morning (AEST), although it will likely be from the bench, after John Aloisi-s two-goal effort against Germany ensured he is likely to retain his starting spot as the central striker.