The Young Socceroos under-20 World Cup campaign is already under a cloud with several squad members in doubt or unavailable for next month’s tournament.
A trio of players in the squad won’t be available for most of pre-cup training, captain Ben Kantarovski is in doubt with injury and two players are not available at all.
Football Federation Australia national technical director Han Berger said he had to negotiate for Mathew Leckie, Tommy Oar and Kerem Bulut to be excused from their European clubs’ pre-season training to play for the team in Columbia.
Oar will join the team on July 20 ahead of the first clash against Ecuador on August 1 (AEST), while Leckie and Bulut will arrive on July 25.
Berger’s negotiations were less successful with Brent McGrath and Steven Lustica unable to take part in the tournament.
Kantarovski is in doubt with a knee injury and Young Socceroos’ coach Jan Versleijen concedes the team’s preparations have been less than ideal.
“It’s not an ideal preparation. I wish it could be different but life is not always like you wish it would go,” Versleijen said.
Versleijen said the team won’t take any undue risks with Kantarovski’s knee, which was operated on in December.
“Ben’s still in his rehabilitation process,” Versleijen said.
“He is our captain and he was, in China, the best player of the tournament.
“So you can imagine I’d really like to get him – but everything is based on if it’s no risk.”
Berger blames McGrath and Lustica’s clubs for their decision not to play, a move he said could jeopardise their selection in future squads.
“I assume the players have been put under pressure by their clubs and it’s difficult for a young player when the club tells you, ‘if you go away during the pre-season, that will affect your chances of a starting position’,” Berger said.
“They both let us know that they preferred to do the pre-season with the clubs, instead of playing for the Young Socceroos in the under-20 World Cup.”
The Young Socceroos face a tough start to their cup bid, grouped with Costa Rica, Ecuador and Spain.
Despite the challenges, Versleijen is optimistic about their chances.
“You have to try and get the best out of it,” he said.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
Former Premier League striker turned pundit Michael Bridges has launched a staggering attack on Manchester United manager Eric ten Hag in the wake of…
Former Socceroos defender Patrick Kisnorbo will make his return from the coaching wilderness when he leads the A-League Men All Stars against Newcastle United.…
A win for Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham against Manchester City this week could hand the Premier League title to Spurs' arch rivals Arsenal. So be…
There were many disgusted by the overall spectacle at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon when the Phoenix and Victory played out a cagey 0-0…
Leandro Trossard scored the only goal after 20 minutes, to keep the pressure on Manchester City.
