Pivotal Socceroos attacker Riley McGree has been ruled out of the World Cup in a hammer blow to Australia's hopes.
McGree, who is among Australia's most creative and influential players, hurt his left hamstring in Middlesbrough's 1-0 loss to Hull City in the English Championship playoff final on Saturday.
Key attacker McGree was forced off in the 76th minute at Wembley Stadium after pulling up from a challenge - just three weeks out from Australia's opening group stage match against Turkey.