Australia full back Jacob Italiano has been ruled out of their final World Cup Group D match against Paraguay due to an adductor injury suffered in training on Wednesday, coach Tony Popovic announced yesterday [1, 2, 3]. Italiano started both of Australia's opening matches before his injury sidelined him [1, 2].
Popovic said the injury means a reshuffle in defense for the crucial match. "We’re always considering all possibilities because we’ve always shown faith in every player that’s here," the coach said. "Since we’ve started this journey, every player that’s in our squad knows he has a chance of playing and that’s no different for tomorrow" [3].
Potential replacements for Italiano at full back include Jason Geria, Aziz Behich, and Kai Trewin [1, 2, 3]. Australia winger Mat Leckie is also ruled out due to a hamstring strain sustained against the USA. Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe, and Cristian Volpato are considered possible options to fill Leckie's attacking role [3].
Australia will face Paraguay on Thursday in a match they need at least a draw to advance to the World Cup round of 32 [1, 2, 3]. Paraguay, meanwhile, will be without midfielder Miguel Almirón, who was suspended after being sent off in their 1-0 win over Turkey for covering his mouth during a confrontation [3].
Popovic expressed disappointment with the team's performance against the USA but praised improvements in the second half and the impact of substitute players. "We played nine players [against the USA] that played the first match so we’re more disappointed in the performance, not so much in who played and who didn’t play," he said. "We improved that performance in the second half, which really pleases us, and the players that came on made an impact" [3].
The Australian squad now prepares to fill defensive and attacking gaps before Thursday’s kickoff against Paraguay, their final Group D fixture and a must-not-lose contest to secure progression in the tournament [1, 2, 3].
