The Socceroos are facing uncertainty regarding the fitness of striker Mohamed Toure, who missed training just three days before Australia’s FIFA World Cup opener against Turkiye. Toure, who has become the team's first-choice No.9 under coach Tony Popovic, was absent from the latest training session at their World Cup base in Oakland, California, raising concerns about his availability for the Group D match in Vancouver on Sunday.

Defenders Address Toure's Absence

At a press conference on Thursday morning, defenders Milos Degenek and Jordan Bos were questioned about Toure's injury status. Degenek humorously noted, “So Mo’s expected to train tomorrow. There you go,” indicating that Toure might return to training soon. When asked why Toure was not present, Degenek reassured everyone, stating, “I didn’t notice he wasn’t out there because a lot of the session was separate parts, attack, defence…” He expressed confidence that Toure would be available for media interactions the following day.

Toure's Recent Performance and Injury History

Mohamed Toure has experienced a significant rise in his career over the past six months. After transferring to Norwich City from Danish side Randers in the January transfer window, he scored nine goals in just 11 appearances, making him a key figure in the Socceroos' attacking options and attracting interest from several Premier League clubs. However, he has struggled with injuries this season, notably missing five games for Norwich due to a muscular issue.

Jordan Bos emphasized Toure's importance to the team, stating, “He’s a big asset to us... scoring goals, his power and everything about him.” If Toure is unable to play against Turkiye, striker Tete Yengi may step in to lead the line, having recently scored his first goal for the Socceroos in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland. Other potential options include veteran Mathew Leckie and Melbourne Victory forward Nishan Velupillay, both of whom could provide valuable experience and versatility in the attacking lineup.

As the Socceroos prepare for their crucial opener, the team and fans alike will be hoping for a swift recovery for Toure, who has proven to be a vital player in their World Cup campaign.