The Socceroos have suffered a significant setback ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers as Jackson Irvine will miss the final two matches to undergo foot surgery. This injury places additional strain on Coach Tony Popovic’s squad as they aim for qualification.
Irvine’s Injury Forces Him to Miss Key Matches
Jackson Irvine, a key figure for both the Socceroos and his club, St Pauli, confirmed he would miss the final two World Cup qualifiers due to the need for foot surgery. Irvine, who had been sidelined for St Pauli for two weeks, is set to go under the knife after scans revealed the extent of the injury.
Irvine’s Confidence in Team’s Success
Despite his absence, Irvine expressed full confidence in the Socceroos’ ability to secure victories against Japan and Saudi Arabia in their final qualifiers. On social media, he stated, “I have complete confidence that both the teams I love can take the final steps towards our ultimate goals. I will be watching and supporting alongside our amazing fans every step until the end.”
Impact on St Pauli and the Socceroos
For St Pauli, Irvine’s absence comes at a critical time as the club fights to avoid relegation with just three matches left in the Bundesliga season. However, his injury is an even bigger concern for the Socceroos. With important matches ahead against Japan and Saudi Arabia, Irvine’s loss could prove costly for Popovic’s side.
Socceroos Already Depleted by Other Injuries
The injury to Irvine is a blow for the Socceroos, who are already without key players. Defensive leader Harry Souttar and wingback Jordan Bos are both missing. Additionally, Massimo Luongo has been overlooked due to a lack of playing time at Ipswich Town, and Aiden O’Neill has recently moved to the MLS. The team’s midfield options are further limited with Irvine’s absence, and Connor Metcalfe, who plays alongside Irvine at St Pauli, has only just returned from an ankle injury.
Looking Ahead to Critical World Cup Qualifiers
The Socceroos now face a tough task in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. On June 5, they will face Japan in Perth before traveling to Jeddah to meet Saudi Arabia on June 11. These matches are crucial for their hopes of securing a spot in next year’s World Cup in North America.
Key Takeaways
- Jackson Irvine will miss the final two World Cup qualifiers due to foot surgery.
- The Socceroos are already missing key players, including Harry Souttar and Jordan Bos.
- Despite the setback, Irvine has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed.
- The team will face Japan and Saudi Arabia in crucial qualifiers next month.
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