The Socceroos have been dealt a significant blow on the eve of the World Cup, with key midfielder Riley McGree ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old picked up the problem during Middlesbrough's Championship playoff final defeat to Hull City on Sunday. McGree, who was a pivotal figure for Australia in Qatar four years ago, had been expected to play a crucial role in coach Tony Popovic's tactical setup.
Popovic makes surprise selection call
In a late twist, Popovic has omitted striker Mitch Duke from his training camp squad. Duke scored against Tunisia at the 2022 World Cup but has been cut as the coach trims his options. Replacing him is Tete Yengi, a 25-year-old forward currently playing for Machida Zelvia in Japan's J-League. Yengi has never represented the Socceroos at senior level but has impressed since joining from Livingston on loan in January.
Yengi's rise has been rapid. He helped Machida Zelvia reach the final of the AFC Champions League Elite, scoring the winning goal in the quarter-final against Al Ittihad. At 197cm, he offers a physical presence up front, a profile that Popovic may find useful.
Training camp updates
Yengi is among eight players who have joined the Socceroos' training camp in Florida this week. The group also includes captain Mat Ryan, defenders Alessandro Circati, Lucas Herrington, Kye Rowles and Kai Trewin, midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler, and winger Awer Mabil. The camp will culminate in a warm-up match against Mexico on Sunday, which will serve as the final opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim for a spot in the World Cup squad.
McGree's absence opens up a place in the attacking midfield or wing roles in Popovic's preferred 3-4-2-1 system. Likely beneficiaries include Mabil, Mathew Leckie, Ajdin Hrustic, Martin Boyle, or Nestory Irankunda.
Other cuts and squad composition
Aside from Duke, striker Ante Suto and midfielder Alex Robertson have also been cut from the camp. The squad now stands at 29 players, with only three more cuts expected next week: two outfield players and one goalkeeper. The final squad will be announced shortly after.
Yengi joins a shrinking group of recognised strikers in Florida, including Mo Touré, Boyle, and Brandon Borrello. His older brother, Kusini Yengi, was a favourite under former coach Graham Arnold but has been sidelined by knee and quad tendon injuries.
