Australia will face Egypt in the World Cup round of 32 without Mathew Leckie and Jacob Italiano after both were ruled out with injuries.
Australia will be without Mathew Leckie and Jacob Italiano for their World Cup round-of-32 match against Egypt after both players were ruled out of the rest of the tournament through injury.
The Socceroos confirmed that Italiano and Leckie had left the squad and returned to their clubs’ countries to continue rehabilitation.
Italiano suffered an adductor injury in training before Australia’s final Group D match against Paraguay. Leckie sustained a hamstring strain during the 2-0 defeat to the United States.
Both players missed Australia’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay, which secured the Socceroos’ place in the knockout stage.
Italiano had started the Scceroos’ first two group matches at right-back, against Turkey and the United States. Leckie started against the United States and was playing in his fourth World Cup.
Australia head coach Tony Popovic adjusted his lineup against Paraguay, moving Jordan Bos to the right side and starting Aziz Behich at left-back. Behich said after the match that the tactical switch had worked well.
Australia will face Egypt on July 3 after Egypt qualified following a draw with Iran, finishing second in Group G.