The Socceroos have been dealt another injury blow on the eve of their World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Tajikistan, with star goalkeeper Mat Ryan the latest player to be ruled out.
Ryan was scratched from the squad after suffering a knock to his knee while playing for his club side Valencia against Deportiva La Coruna in Spain.
The 23-year-old was to have surgery on Monday.
“About to undergo arthroscope to fix meniscus,” Ryan posted on his official Twitter account.
“With some luck be back fit in 4 weeks. Look forward to coming back stronger.”
Ryan had been due to fly to Perth after Valencia’s 1-1 draw but his place in the Socceroos’ squad will now be taken by Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.
Ryan joins Mile Jedinak, Tomi Juric and Robbie Kruse as players to be ruled out recently because of injury.
But the biggest star of them all – striker Tim Cahill – is still on track to take his place in the side.
Adam Federici is now expected to start in goal in the absence of Ryan, while Alex Cisak is another option.
Ryan has been touted as a future superstar following his rapid rise on the international scene.
The former Central Coast Mariner was voted Belgium goalkeeper of the year last season after a standout campaign with Club Brugge.
His recent move to La Liga outfit Valencia is set to expose him to a number of blockbuster European games.
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said it was disappointing to lose Ryan for the upcoming qualifiers.
But with Australia a $1.01 favourite against world No.170 Bangladesh in Perth on Thursday night, Ryan’s absence isn’t likely to ruffle the Socceroos.
Next week’s trip to Tajikistan could prove to be a trickier affair, but the Socceroos are still likely to start as a hot favourite against the soccer minnows.
Socceroos midfielder Matt McKay is confident the recent injury withdrawals won’t affect the team too much.
“I think the balance is there,” McKay said.
“We’ve got some guys coming into camp in extremely good form with where they’ve been in Europe and scoring goals, which is great for the side.
“Hopefully that translates into our national team performances.”
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