Matthew Leckie (hamstring) and Jacob Italiano (groin) will play no further part in Australia’s ongoing campaign at the World Cup, with the injured starting duo just recently boarded flights to recover at home after being ruled out of the rest of the North American-hosted tournament.
The pair were ruled out today, and made emotional goodbyes before leaving the Bay Area training base. The rest of the Socceroos got through a light recovery session.
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Others in the squad have said they’re “gutted” for both, especially Leckie – it’s likely the last time he appears at a World Cup finals, considering his appearance in the U.S. comes at 35 years old. It was the fourth time he’s made it to the World Cup; a record for any Australian representative in football.
“I’m gutted for him,” Leckie’s Melbourne City teammate Aziz Behich said
“I saw firsthand this year what he had to do to get back on that pitch for us at Melbourne City and then what he did in Sarasota. So, he left no stone unturned, it’s a credit to him. It’s not easy, not just physically, but also mentally, at his age as well. It’s obviously part of football. We’re all gutted for him because we want him to stick around, because we know what he can give us as a team.
“We’re gutted for him, but it’s all part of football. He wished us all well, and he said he’ll be following. He’s a legendary guy, and he’s given everything to be here and help us.”
There had been some expectations that Leckie would struggle, because he’s had problems all season.
Italiano’s injury was more of a shock, with 24-year-old tweaking his groin at a training session before they played Paraguay.
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Jordy Bos, who had never played at right wing-back before, stepped in to replace Italiano in the 0–0 clash. This Sporting Base writer rated Bos as the best on ground in the goalless affair, which was enough for the Socceroos to finish Group D in second place and head to the knockouts.
The Socceroos are next in action against the Group G runners-up next Saturday at 4am.
Bos is expected to again play on the right for Australia, while Cristian Volpato was fantastic as Leckie’s replacement.
