Worst fears confirmed for Socceroo

FOOTBALL Australia has confirmed that towering Socceroos defender Harry Souttar has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Souttar was stretchered from the field after injuring his knee in Australia’s 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in last week’s World Cup qualifier in Sydney.

It means Australia will be without the 23-year-old for the rest of their qualifying campaign and potentially the 2022 World Cup in Qatar next year.

“We are devastated for Harry. This injury is a blow for an immensely talented young footballer, and in turn his country and club,” Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said.

“Harry is a determined and positive young man who will leave no stone unturned to return to the pitch as soon as possible.

“We will support Harry every step of the way and believe that he has an enormous future ahead of him playing at the highest levels of world football.”

The Stoke City defender has become a crucial part of Arnold’s Socceroos side, scoring six goals in 10 appearances since making his international debut in 2019.

Ryan McGowan and Bailey Wright have been called up to Australia’s squad for the World Cup qualifier against China in Sharjah on Wednesday morning.

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN