Australia have been handed yet another injury blow ahead of their crunch game with Japan, as Tom Rogic has been ruled out with injury.
The Celtic midfielder was in doubt after being the victim of a brutal tackle last weekened – Ross County’s Kayne Ramsay shown a red card as the Aussie limped off the field.
Midfielder Denis Genreau confirmed Rogic’s absence during a press conference on Tuesday morning.
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“He’s a big player, someone that I look up and I feel he’s fantastic footballer,” Genreau said.
“It’s a shame that he won’t be with us for these games but we’ve got plenty of great players that can step up and do a great job.”
Genreau, who is currently plying his trade with Toulouse in France’s second tier, said he was confident that other players in the squad could fill the void.
“I hope that he [Rogic] recovers quickly and can join us maybe in Saudi, but it opens up a door for other players to play.
“We’re going to miss him for sure but we’ve got other players that can step up and do a fantastic job.”
The injury was the last thing the Socceroos needed, with several key players missing already – including Aaron Mooy, Riley McGree, Craig Goodwin and Jackson Irvine.
“As a footballer, these are the kind of nights that you want to be a part of and you want to play,” Genreau said.
“Obviously it’s a massive shame to not have those players around because they’re very important to the squad and being a part of the journey the whole way.
“It’s a shame not to have them but it does open up other opportunities for myself and other players so we have to be ready to take it and do Australia proud.”