The Socceroos' defensive stocks have taken another big hit ahead of March's World Cup qualifiers with talented young centre-back Hayden Matthews' season ended prematurely through injury.
English Championship club Portsmouth confirmed Matthews wouldn't feature in their campaign again this season due to an ankle injury.
It is a blow to Matthews, 20, who had enjoyed a promising start to life in England after his rapid ascent to a Socceroos debut late last year.
The former Sydney FC defender joins Harry Souttar (achilles) and Alessandro Circati (ACL) on the sidelines, giving Socceroos boss Tony Popovic another headache ahead of crucial games against Indonesia and China.
Many of the tested central defensive options that are available are battling for minutes at club level.
Cameron Burgess is fit and will likely lead Australia's defence in Souttar's absence, but has fallen out of favour again at Ipswich Town, last playing a Premier League game on February 9.
Kye Rowles just joined MLS club DC United, though he has started his past two games.
Jason Geria has seen limited minutes at J1 League club Albirex Niigata while fringe defender Thomas Deng is yet to feature for Yokohama F. Marinos.
Popovic could turn to veteran Milos Degenek, while uncapped pair Nectar Triantis, who has been excellent in defensive midfield at Hibernian, and Kai Trewin (Melbourne City) are other options.
The Socceroos play Indonesia in Sydney on March 20 then China away five days later.
Australia then face Japan in Perth on June 5 and finish their campaign away to Saudi Arabia on June 10.
The Socceroos sit second behind Japan, but just a point ahead of the other four teams in group C.
The top two teams automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while third and fourth are flung into another round of qualifiers.
In better news, striker Kusini Yengi returned from injury for Portsmouth on Saturday, playing 27 minutes off the bench.
