DHAKA: The Socceroos have been dealt another injury blow on the eve of their World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Tajikistan, with star goalkeeper Mat Ryan the latest player to be ruled out.
Ryan picked up the minor knee injury during the 1-1 draw and will not make the last minute dash to Perth for the match against Bangladesh.
His place will be taken by Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.
Ryan joins Mile Jedinak, Tomi Juric and Robbie Kruse as players to be ruled out recently because of niggles, reports abc.net.au.
But the biggest star of them all - striker Tim Cahill - is still on track to take his place in the side.
Adam Federici is now expected to start in goal in the absence of Ryan, while Alex Cisak is another option.
“It’s a blow for Matt to miss these games but he picked up a knock in Spain overnight and with the travel distance and the lateness of his club game we have decided to bring in Eugene Galekovic,” Postecoglou said.
“Eugene is more than capable replacement and he will join us in Perth and we will move ahead without Mat.”
Bangladesh national football team will play against Australia at Perth on September 3.
Bangladesh squad: Mamunul Islam Mamun (captain), Rasel Mahmud, Shahidul Alam, Ashraful Islam Rana, Nasirul Islam Nasir, Rayhan Hasan, Tapu Barman, Yeamin Ahmed Chowdhury Munna, Yeasin Khan, Atiqur Rahman Meshu, Sohel Rana, Mohammad Linkon, Hemonta Vinsent Biswas, Jamal Bhuyan, Monaem Khan Raju, Emon Mahmud, Taklis Ahmed, Abdul Baten Majumder Komal, Zahid Hossain, Jahid Hasan Ameli, Aminur Rahman Sajib, Enamul Haque and Jewel Rana.
BDST: 1615 HRS, AUG 31, 2015
RS