Football
ESPN staff 9y

Injured captain Jedinak to miss Australia's WC Qualifiers next month

Crystal Palace captain Mile Jedinak heads a trio of Europe-based players who have pulled out of Australia's AFC World Cup Qualifiers against Bangladesh on Sep. 3 and Tajikistan five days later.

Jedinak, who led the Socceroos to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup title in January, has succumbed to a hamstring injury suffered in Palace's League Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday. Joining him on the sidelines are JC Roda striker Tomi Juric and Bayer Leverkusen winger Robbie Kruse, who are not fully fit after recent injuries.

Coming into the Socceroos' squad will be Italian based attacker Chris Ikonomidis, forward Ben Halloran and Brisbane Roar midfielder Luke Brattan.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said he was confident that the newcomers will be able to step up, while acknowledging the loss of inspirational leader, Jedinak. The 31-year-old has earned 59 caps since 2008, scoring nine goals.

He appeared in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups -- scoring a goal against Netherlands in Brazil -- as well as the 2011 and 2015 Asian Cups. He first captained Australia in March 2014, taking over from Lucas Neill. 

"Mile picked up a hamstring injury that will keep him out for a short period of time so he won't be making the trip for the games against Bangladesh and Tajikistan," Postecoglou said.

"Tomi (Juric) and Robbie (Kruse) have had recent injuries and after speaking to our medical staff we believe they are better served staying with their clubs to regain match fitness and not undertake the travel so they are available for matches in the next window.

"It gives Chris, Ben and Luke Brattan a great opportunity to come into the group and impress."

Australia, who have qualified for the past three World Cups, won their opening qualifier 2-1 away to Kyrgyzstan on June 16, with Jedinak scoring within the first two minutes.

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