Despite lately present process surgical procedure on a fractured cheekbone, Socceroos captain Mat Ryan has been chosen in Australia’s 26-man squad for the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar introduced by head coach Graham Arnold in Sydney on Friday morning.
Australia – the 2015 Asian Cup champions below former nationwide coach, now Tottenham supervisor Ange Postecoglou – are drawn in Group B for the event beginning on 12 January. They face India (13 January), Syria (18 January) and Uzbekistan (23 January) in the group stage.
After a poor displaying on the event in 2019, when Australia have been knocked out in the quarter-finals, Arnold is determined for an improved displaying in Qatar to construct on their robust 2022 World Cup.
The Socceroos’ squad measurement was boosted following a call by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to permit groups to pick out 26 gamers for the event, versus the normal 23. Arnold stated the chance to carry further gamers to Doha would show invaluable.
“The decision by the AFC was based on feedback from coaches following last year’s World Cup, and it’s a positive outcome that has given us plenty to think about in recent days,” stated Arnold, who will assemble his squad in Abu Dhabi for a pre-tournament camp on New Year’s Day.
“Overall, I’m extremely happy with the squad we’ve selected for the Asian Cup, it strikes the balance that we’re looking for considering we’ve only just commenced World Cup qualification in November.”
Arnold has positioned religion in the core group of gamers used in internationals in 2023 together with striker Mitchell Duke, winger Craig Goodwin and midfielder Jackson Irvine.
Thomas Deng returns from membership duties with Albirex Niigata, whereas Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory) and Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers) are again in the nationwide facet as reward for robust performances in the A-League.
Injuries to Hearts defender Nathaniel Atkinson (ankle) and midfielder Riley McGree (foot) have restricted their alternatives for each membership and nation in latest months, however each at the moment are match and will make the journey to Doha for their first Asian Cup.
“At our core we have an extremely connected group, who have built a strong culture over many years. We’re welcoming in some new players who I think will prove fantastic additions to that,” Arnold stated.
“It’s important that we bring energy and intensity to both our preparation and play, it’s something we’ve become renowned for and will be a big part of the group’s success moving forward.”
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Longtime No 1 Ryan, in excellent fettle for Netherlands heavyweights AZ Alkmaar before his injury, will be given the opportunity to prove his fitness in the coming weeks but Joe Gauci and the in-form Thomas loom as successors.
Following his debut against Bangladesh in the Socceroos’ World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Kusini Yengi has been named to debut. Forward John Iredale also has his first senior call up following time in Football Australia’s youth development pathway.
Another new face to the squad is Gethin Jones from Bolton Wanderers, with the defender pledging allegiance to his country of birth. The Everton academy product has previously played youth international football for Wales.
“We’ve had to be strategic with some of our selections, considering our Olympic qualification commences in April and have looked to balance the age profile and experience of players across various positions in the squad,” Arnold said.
“I’m excited about the potential within this group and am looking forward to getting into camp in the New Year.”
Goalkeepers: Joe Gauci, Mat Ryan (c), Lawrence Thomas. Defenders: Nathaniel Atkinson, Aziz Behich, Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, Thomas Deng, Gethin Jones*, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Harry Souttar. Midfielders: Keanu Baccus, Jackson Irvine, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill, Patrick Yazbek*. Forwards: Martin Boyle, Mitchell Duke, Bruno Fornaroli, Craig Goodwin, John Iredale*, Sam Silvera, Marco Tilio, Kusini Yengi. (*denotes uncapped)
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