The Socceroos will face Lebanon in their second World Cup qualifier without injured players Jordy Bos and Riley McGree. Full-back Joel King has been called up to the squad as a replacement for the injured duo. McGree and Bos sustained injuries during the first half of the previous match against Lebanon and will not be available for the upcoming game in Canberra.
Both players underwent scans following the match, and the Socceroos' medical team is working with their respective clubs, Middlesbrough and KVC Westerlo, on treatment plans. There is currently no set timeline for their return to play.
In addition to the injuries, Aziz Behich is already sidelined, leaving Australia without any natural left-backs in the squad. Centre-back Kye Rowles filled in at left-back during the previous match. Sydney FC left-back Joel King has been added to the squad as cover, bringing his total caps to four.
Midfielder Keanu Baccus will miss the upcoming game due to suspension. A victory in the match against Lebanon will secure Australia's spot in the final round of World Cup qualification.
Following the game, the Europe-based Socceroos will depart for their respective clubs. April is a crucial month for many Socceroos, with several players aiming for promotion to top-five leagues around the world.
Midfielder Jackson Irvine, who has primarily played in Scotland and lower leagues in Germany and England, is eyeing a move to a top-five league. Irvine's club, St Pauli, is currently leading Germany's second division and is in contention for promotion to the Bundesliga.
Only two Socceroos in Graham Arnold's squad are currently playing in top-five leagues in England, Germany, France, Spain, or Italy. Goalkeeper Joe Gauci is with Aston Villa in the English Premier League, while Denis Genreau is facing injury concerns at French club Toulouse.
Young defender Alessandro Circati, who plays for Parma in Italy's second tier, is a key player for his club's promotion hopes. Parma is reluctant to release Circati for the upcoming under-23 Asian Cup, which serves as an Olympic qualification tournament.
The English Championship could potentially produce six Premier League players from the Socceroos squad. Harry Souttar's Leicester is in a tight promotion battle, while Middlesbrough, featuring Sammy Silvera, Tom Glover, and the injured Riley McGree, are aiming for a playoff spot.
