Socceroos lose star trio for World Cup qualifiers

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has lost three foreign-based stars to injury ahead of World Cup qualifiers next month against Bangladesh and Tajikistan, Football Federation Australia said Friday.

Crystal Palace and Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak has pulled a hamstring while Bayer Leverkusen's Robbie Kruse and Tomi Juric of Dutch side Roda JC are still recovering from recent injuries.

They have been replaced by Lazio attacker Chris Ikonomidis, Brisbane Roar midfielder Luke Brattan and striker Ben Halloran, who plays for German second-tier side FC Heidenheim.

“Mile picked up a hamstring injury that will keep him out for a short period of time so he won’t be making the trip," Postecoglou said.

“Tomi (Juric) and Robbie (Kruse) have had recent injuries and after speaking to our medical staff we believe they are better served staying with their clubs to regain match fitness and not undertake the travel so they are available for matches in the next window."

Veteran Tim Cahill was expected to take over as captain for the Asian champions, who face Bangladesh in Perth on September 3 and Tajikistan in Dushanbe on September 8.
Source: AFP