Australia will be without
captain Mile Jedinak at the Confederations Cup, with James Jeggo replacing the
injured Aston Villa midfielder.
Captain Mile Jedinak
has withdrawn from Australia's Confederations Cup squad due to his struggles
with a groin problem.
Jedinak was hindered
by the injury during the closing months of the season with Aston Villa and will
be replaced in the squad by Sturm Graz's James Jeggo.
The 32-year-old
midfielder completed 90 minutes in last week's 3-2 World Cup qualifying win
over Saudi Arabia but experienced discomfort afterward
Australia boss Ange
Postecoglou and Jedinak have taken the decision that the player should withdraw
from the national team's forthcoming schedule, which begins with a friendly
against Brazil on Tuesday.
"Losing Mile is
a blow as he is not only an important member of the midfield but a great leader
amongst the group," Postecoglou said.
"He has had a
tough period since Christmas with his groin and we all agree it is in the best
long-term interest of Mile and the Socceroos that he has a break.
"He will take a
break to ensure he is ready for the season ahead with his club and what is also
an important 12 months for the national team, beginning with the qualifiers in
August and September.
Jedinak added:
"I'm disappointed to miss the Confederations Cup as it is something we
have been looking forward to and working towards since we won the Asian Cup.
"But, we have
some crucial games coming up over the next 12 months leading into the World
Cup, which I need to be fit and firing for."
Australia open their
Confederations Cup campaign against Germany in Sochi next Monday before facing
further Group B matches against Cameroon and Chile.
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