Graham Arnold has named an extended 25-man Socceroos squad to face Lebanon in World Cup qualification, with a number of stunning recalls amid an injury and suspension crisis.
Australia face Lebanon in Sydney (March 21) and Canberra (26th), where a pair of wins would book the Socceroos’ place in the next stage of Asian qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
24-cap playmaker Ajdin Hrustic is undoubtedly the biggest inclusion in the squad for Australia’s first matches since a disappointing quarter-final exit at the Asian Cup.
The creative midfielder was a standout in Australia’s qualification journey to the 2022 World Cup, only to be restricted to just a handful of minutes during the tournament proper due to an ankle injury.
He underwent surgery after the tournament before being sent into virtual exile at Serie A club Hellas Verona. His lack of game time meant he played just once for the Socceroos in 2023 - a 45-minute appearance last May.
But in February, the 27-year-old finally sealed an exit from Verona, joining Eredivisie relegation battlers Heracles Almelo. He has subsequently played five straight games, picking up a goal.
His return to form is a huge boost for a Socceroos team that has often struggled to break down organised, packed defences - while his set-piece ability provides another valuable weapon to the Socceroos’ offensive arsenal.
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Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart also earns a recall as Arnold searches for depth up front – what has become something of a problem position for the green and gold.
Taggart has 14 goals in 18 appearances in the A-League Men’s this season, and scored twice for Glory
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