Australia Lose Matthew Leckie and Jacob Italiano to Injury Ahead of World Cup Knockout Clash With Egypt

Australia have been dealt a major blow ahead of their World Cup knockout match against Egypt, with experienced forward Matthew Leckie and right-back Jacob Italiano ruled out for the rest of the tournament because of injury. The Socceroos must now continue their campaign with a 24-man squad.

Leckie, playing in his fourth World Cup, suffered a hamstring injury in Australia’s 2-0 defeat to the United States in Group D. The injury also kept him out of the goalless draw against Paraguay.

Italiano, who played against Turkey and the United States, picked up a groin injury during training. The defender was also unavailable for the match against Paraguay.

In a statement, Football Australia said: “Jacob Italiano and Matthew Leckie unfortunately will not be able to play any further part in the remainder of the World Cup due to injury. Everyone at Football Australia and across the Socceroos family wishes Jacob and Matthew a speedy recovery, while also thanking them for their contribution to this World Cup campaign.”

The loss of the two players is certain to affect coach Tony Popovic’s plans as Australia prepare for the round-of-16 contest. Australia will face Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on 3 July at 12:00am Bangladesh time at Dallas Stadium.

Melbourne City teammate and Australia defender Aziz Behich said of Leckie: “I’m really disappointed for him. But it’s part of football. He wished us all the best and said he will be following our journey. He has given everything he could to help the team by coming here.”

Australia, however, are not losing confidence despite the absence of two key players. Behich said: “We knew our first goal was to get through the group stage, and we managed to do that. Now we have to take it one game at a time. This is knockout football, so the situation is different. But the boys know that and we are full of strength and confidence.”