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Graham Arnold has named a 23-man Socceroos squad to face Lebanon in World Cup qualification, with a number of stunning recalls amid an injury and suspension crisis.
Australia faces Lebanon in Sydney (March 21) and Canberra (26th), where a pair of wins would book the Socceroos’ place in the next stage of Asian qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
After being restricted to just a handful of minutes during the 2022 World Cup due to an ankle injury and missing Australia’s last 11 matches due to his lack of club game time, it is a massive boost for the resurgent star.
The 27-year-old in February finally sealed an exit from Verona, joining Eredivisie relegation battlers Heracles Almelo. He has subsequently played five straight games, picking up a goal. Now he is set to make his first appearance for the Socceroos since 45 minutes in May last year.
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Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart also earns a recall as Arnold searches for depth up front – what has become something of a problem position for the green and gold.
Taggart has 14 goals in 18 appearances in the A-League Men’s this season, and scored twice for Glory in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle on the weekend in front of a watching Arnold.
The 30-year-old has not appeared for the Socceroos since September 2022.
Martin Boyle will be absent after suffering a sickening head knock for his club Hibernian, while Marco Tilio and Aziz Behich are both injured.
Aiden O’Neill is suspended after being sent off in the Asian Cup quarter-final, a 2-1 extra time loss to South Korea – but an ankle injury would have ruled him out regardless.
The raft of injuries and unavailability has seen Patrick Yazbek promoted from the under-23s Olyroos team, after being initially named to play for that side in a tournament in Saudi Arabia this window.
The Viking FK defensive midfielder is one of three potential debutants, alongside striker John Iredale (SV Wehen Wiesbaden in Germany) and gloveman Thomas Glover.
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“As a group we took a lot away from our time in Qatar and I’ve got no doubt that we’ll be better for the experience as we work towards World Cup qualification,” Arnold said in a statement.
“We selected a number of younger, inexperienced players for the Asian Cup with the view of giving them more opportunities at international level as well as exposing them to tournament conditions.
“It’s part of our continued regeneration of the senior national team squad, ensuring that in two years’ time we have the depth and experience required to succeed on international football’s biggest stage.”
“We’ve gone with a similar squad to the one we took to the Asian Cup, and they’ll be prepared to face a side in Lebanon that have a lot to play for,” added Arnold.
“It’ll be a great test for the group and one I know they’re very much looking forward to,” Arnold concluded.
