The Socceroos have been hit by the news Celtic star Tom Rogic has been forced to withdraw from the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia because of injury.
Australia are priced at 500/1 to win the 2022 World Cup but first of all they need to win both of the qualifiers to ensure they make the finals and they are not being helped by a crippling injury list.
Star players missing
Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is already without a host of stars including Aaron Mooy, Riley McGree, Adam Taggart, Jackson Irving and Harry Souttar.
Star striker Jamie Maclaren will also miss the final qualifier against Saudi Arabia as the game falls on the same day as his wedding.
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Now Arnold has been hit by the news Rogic is carrying a knock and rather than travel for the qualifiers he will remain in Glasgow to have treatment.
Just to make matters worse Central Coast Mariners defender Kye Rowles has also come down with sickness and has been withdrawn from the squad.
Wilkinson call-up
Experienced Sydney FC defender Alex Wilkinson has been called up as his replacement and Arnold still has to decide who will come in for Rogic.
"Obviously it's a massive shame to not have those players around because they're very important to the squad and being a part of the journey the whole way," said Socceroos midfielder Denis Genreau.
"It's a shame that he (Rogic) won't be with us for these games but we've got plenty of great players that can step up and do a great job."
