Subway Socceroos AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Squad Revealed | Football Australia
Australia have been drawn into Group B for the tournament and will face India, Syria and Uzbekistan in the Group Stage; with selected players to assemble in Abu Dhabi from Monday, 1 January for a tournament pre-camp.
The Subway Socceroos’ squad size was given a boost in the days leading up to its confirmation, following a decision by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to allow participating teams the choice to increase their squad size to 26 players for the tournament, as opposed to the traditional 23.
Arnold said the opportunity to bring additional players to Doha would prove invaluable across the course of the tournament which runs January 12 – February 10, 2024.
“The decision by the AFC was based on feedback from coaches following last year’s World Cup, and it’s a positive outcome that has given us plenty to think about in recent days,” Arnold said.
“Overall, I’m extremely happy with the squad we’ve selected for the Asian Cup, it strikes the balance that we’re looking for when considering we've only just commenced World Cup qualification in November.”
Arnold has placed faith in the core group of players who have been seen in the majority of FIFA Men’s International Windows throughout 2023 including Mitchell Duke (FC Machida Zelvia), Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda FC) and Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli).
Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata), Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory FC) and Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers FC) all return to the national team set up following strong performances for their respective clubs.
While injuries to Nathaniel Atkinson (ankle) and Riley McGree (foot) have limited their opportunities for both club and country in recent months, both are now fit and will make the trip to Doha for their first
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