As Graham Arnold named his 25-man squad for the Subway Socceroos’ impending FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine, and with the fixtures coming at the end of a gruelling club season – which included a mid-season AFC Asian Cup campaign – several regular faces were unavailable or have been omitted from the squad.
These decisions have been made on a case-by-case basis, factoring in workload amongst any injury concerns.
Australia has already secured its passage to Round Three of World Cup qualification, and while a younger more inexperienced side has been chosen, with a nod to the future – the expectations to win both matches has not changed.
Arnold explained some of the reasons behind those absent from this camp at a recent press conference and offered an injury update on several players.
Maty Ryan has been given the window off to recuperate after a heavy 18-month workload, spending time with family in Australia and preparing for club pre-season. The Socceroos captain’s absence offers Arnold the chance to assess a younger crop of goalkeepers.
Craig Goodwin has been ruled out as he recovers from a broken rib, with the 32-year-old announcing on social media in early May his season had ended due to that injury.
Sammy Silvera has also been granted a rest following a busy year-and-a-half, which included coming off the back of his first season in the Championship with Middlesbrough.
Nathaniel Atkinson has also been given leave to rest prior to returning for pre-season, following a season that was punctuated by an ankle injury.
Riley McGree remains sidelined with a foot complaint. His rehabilitation program has been steadily progressing in his hometown of Adelaide, as he prepares to return to Middlesborough ahead of pre-season.
Aiden O’Neill continues to rehab his injured ankle in Brisbane – in consultation with Football Australia medical staff – after picking up the injury with Standard Liege in early-March.
John Iredale was in the frame to be called up for this camp but unfortunately sustained an injury with club side, SV Wehen Wiesbaden during their 2. Bundesliga relegation playoff.
Tom Glover continues his recovery from finger surgery in Melbourne, having picked up an injury in his first season in the EFL Championship.
Lewis Miller continues to work with staff at Hibernian FC on his recovery from an injured hamstring, which prevented his selection in the FIFA Men’s March International Window.
Match Details
Bangladesh Subway Socceroos
Thursday, 6 June
Bashundhara Kings Arena, Dhaka
Kick-off: 4.45pm local / 8.45pm AEST
Broadcast: Paramount+
Subway Socceroos v Palestine
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
HBF Park, Perth
Kick-off: 8.05pm AWST / 10.05pm AEST
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $25 Adult, and $50 Family. Tickets from Ticketmaster.
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play, Paramount+