Australian football fans anxiously wait to see if star duo Mat Ryan and Riley McGree will make the starting lineup as the Socceroos begin their Asian Cup campaign against India.
Socceroos boss Graham Arnold confirmed both players had been declared fit prior to the Group B fixture, but there may be a temptation to avoid throwing both back into the lineup straight away.
Follow all the action from the Socceroos’ Asian Cup clash against India in our LIVE BLOG below!
Ryan, Australia’s first choice goalkeeper, did not start in the friendly against Bahrain but has since been training with a mask as he recovers from a broken cheekbone sustained while playing for club side AZ Alkmaar.
As for McGree, he has not played a match since October 3 for English outfit Middlesbrough due to a foot injury.
Regardless of a starting berth or not, the duo will hope the Socceroos avoid a similar start to their 2019 Asian Cup campaign.
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The Socceroos slipped to a shock 1-0 loss against Jordan five years ago but thankfully rebounded with wins against Palestine and Syria to seal a spot in the knockout stages.
Although India may be ranked 77 places below the Socceroos in 102nd, they will likely look to sit deep and stunt the Aussie forwards.
The ability to break down India’s low block will also be of great interest to Aussie fans given the Socceroos’ struggles over the years to unlock deep backlines.
TEAM NEWS
Australia: To be confirmed
India: To be confirmed
AUSTRALIA V INDIA
WHEN: Saturday, 10.30pm (AEDT)
WHERE: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (Qatar)
Follow all the action from the Socceroos’ Asian Cup clash against India in our LIVE BLOG below!
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