The Socceroos will continue their FIFA World Cup journey with a reduced squad of 24 players, following the injuries of attacker Mathew Leckie and defender Jacob Italiano, who have both been ruled out of the tournament.

Injuries Force Departures

Leckie and Italiano were absent from the recent 0-0 draw against Paraguay, a match that secured Australia a second-place finish in Group D and a spot in the knockout stages. The two players left the team camp on Friday, with Leckie returning to Melbourne and Italiano heading back to Austria, where he plays for Grazer AK.

Leckie, who had been recovering from surgery in December, made a strong return to form during the A-League Men season and the pre-World Cup camp in Florida. However, he suffered a recurrence of hamstring injuries during the second half of the Socceroos' match against the United States last week, preventing him from continuing in the tournament.

Team's Sentiments

Aziz Behich, Leckie's teammate at Melbourne City, expressed his disappointment over Leckie's injury. "I'm gutted for him," Behich said, noting the effort Leckie put in to return to the pitch. "He left no stone unturned, and it's a credit to him. It's not easy, not just physically, but also mentally, at his age as well." Behich emphasized the importance of Leckie's experience and presence within the team, stating, "We're all gutted for him because we want him to stick around."

Italiano, who sustained a groin injury during training prior to the Paraguay match, was seen as a key player in what was expected to be a breakout tournament for him. The 24-year-old had started in matches against Türkiye and the United States, showcasing his talent. His absence opens the door for Jordan Bos, who impressed in his debut against Paraguay, to potentially secure a starting position moving forward.

Looking Ahead

Behich acknowledged Italiano's hard work to earn his place in the squad, stating, "Jakey worked hard to get himself in this position, and I thought he did really well in the games that he played as well." As the Socceroos prepare for the knockout stages, the team remains focused on their goal while coping with the loss of two significant players.