Recovering Caltex Socceroos duo return to clubs

Defensive duo Matt Jurman and Trent Sainsbury have both departed the Caltex Socceroos squad and will not feature in Wednesday’s friendly clash against Colombia.

Both players were selected in Bert van Marwijk’s 26-man squad for the clashes with Norway and Colombia, though both have had limited football in recent months due to injury.

Jurman (Suwon Bluewings) and Sainsbury (Grasshoppers) both returned to their respective club sides following Saturday’s (AEDT) loss to Norway in Oslo.

Preview: Colombia v Caltex Socceroos

They haven’t featured since Australia’s World Cup Playoff victory over Honduras in November, with Jurman (knee) and Sainsbury (groin) both recovering from recent surgery.

'We have two important players who trained this week for the first time but still couldn't play, Jurman and Sainsbury…” van Marwijk said after the loss to Norway.

''I hope that Sainsbury and Jurman stay fit and start to play in one or two weeks.”

Although the duo weren’t able to play, van Marwijk insists the priority of the camp was for the playing group to become familiar with each other and to understand the playing style.

“So this is a period to get to know each other better – that’s the most important thing,” van Marwijk said prior to the Norway match.

“It's also dangerous to get too much information in the beginning.

“We tried to change some things but not too much.

“I think it's too early to talk about expectations. I expect them to do what I want them to do.”

Jurman and Sainsbury are both expected to be included in Australia’s FIFA World Cup squad, with a pre-tournament camp to be held in Turkey from May 19.

Caltex Socceroos v Colombia

WHEN: Wednesday, March 28 - kick-off 6am AEDT

WHERE: Craven Cottage, London, England

HOW TO WATCH: Live on Fox Sports and Network Ten

Get tickets for the match here