Australian players celebrate after Mitch Duke’s goal against China.
Graham Arnold has named his 25-man squad for Australia’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers as the Socceroos look to continue their positive start to the campaign.
After wins over China and Vietnam last month, Australia will play a ‘home’ game against Oman in Qatar next week before travelling to Japan for a huge clash against the Samurai Blue.
“We made a great start to the Final Round of qualifying last month, however our focus immediately after the Vietnam win, and while the players have been back at their clubs, has been on our next match against Oman and continuing our World Cup journey by securing another three points on matchday three,” coach Graham Arnold said.
The squad will have just two home-grown players in it as quarantine issues continue to make life difficult for A-League men players to participate in international fixtures.
Sydney FC’s Rhyan Grant has been training with Martin Boyle’s Hibernian since the last slate of fixtures, while Melbourne Victory’s Chris Ikonomidis is set for a recall. Melbourne City duo Jamie Maclaren and Mathew Leckie refused to travel due to the quarantine requirements.
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Football Australia said they are currently consulting with the Victorian State Government regarding quarantine arrangements for Ikonomidis upon his return to Australia and the possibility of the player being able to self-isolate at home instead of entering hotel quarantine.
“We are continuing to discuss quarantine options with Government for national team players and staff who return from abroad after representing Australia,” Arnold said.
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“As coach, I hope that these exchanges progress positively so that we can consider the selection of more representatives from A-League Men for future squads.”
Socceroos down China
The FA said that they are confident that from November onwards, they will be allowed to host games on home soil once again, with a November match against Saudi Arabia being targetted.
Australia’s match against Oman will kick-off at 5:30 AEDT on Friday October 8, and the trip to Japan at 9.14pm AEDT on Tuesday October 12.
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“I am very happy with the squad that we will have with us in Qatar and Japan for our next two matches,” Arnold said.
“Many of the boys will carry exceptional club form into camp, and the fact that we will be together again so soon after the September window will allow us to quickly reconnect and build on what we worked on in the time that we had together last month.”
Full squad: Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Martin Boyle, Milos Degenek, Kenneth Dougall, Mitchell Duke, Callum Elder, Denis Genreau, Rhyan Grant, Ajdin Hrustic, Chris Ikonomidis, Jackson Irvine, James Jeggo, Fran Karacic, Awer Mabil, Ryan McGowan, Riley McGree, Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, Mathew Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Harry Souttar, Adam Taggart, Lawrence Thomas, Danny Vukovic.
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