The Socceroos’ Asian Cup hopes have been dealt a huge blow after it was confirmed star midfielder Aaron Mooy will be out for three months with a knee injury.
The Huddersfield Town schemer suffered a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee during the Terriers’ 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the English Premier League last Saturday.
It was hoped that the former Melbourne City and Western Sydney man had sustained only minor damage, but the EPL strugglers confirmed on Wednesday the 28-year-old would be out until at least the end of February.
“I’m gutted to be missing an important time for club and country,” Mooy told Huddersfield’s official website.
“We’ve got a lot of fixtures over the Christmas period at Huddersfield Town, but I back the team to continue our good performances and get the results that we’re targeting.
“I’m also sad that this injury will rule me out of the Asian Cup. I’d like to wish the Socceroos all the best as they head to the UAE. I’ll be supporting them from afar.
“The hard work on my recovery has already started and I’m looking forward to being back out on the pitch.”
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold will name his squad for the tournament later this month, with the team beginning their defence of the title they won in 2015 against Jordan on 5 January in Abu Dhabi.
Huddersfield, who sit third from bottom in the Premier League table, have also lost inspirational skipper Tommy Smith until after Christmas after the centre-back tore his hamstring.
Coach David Wagner admitted the loss of two of his best players was tough to take.
“The news on both Aaron and Tommy is not something we wanted, but injuries are part of football; we have to deal with it, manage it and carry on into this important December period,” Wagner said.
“Aaron and Tommy are both strong characters and will work very hard in their recovery. We look forward to having them back.
“For now, this creates opportunities for others.
“I’ve said all along that we will need everyone in the squad to contribute and now we should see the benefits of having such a competitive squad.”
© AAP
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.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
What if we celebrated all of the achievements big and small, and weeded out those hell-bent on bringing down a game that is doing a hell of a lot right?
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Nestory Irankunda has sensationally rejected the chance to play at the Paris Olympics this June after a late bid from the Olyroos to include…
Mathew Ryan's tenure at AZ Alkmaar appears to be over, as the Eredivisie side are seemingly moving on from the 93-time Socceroo. The decision…
One down 49 to go. Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi raised some eyebrows this week when he declared himself to be the talisman striker the…
