Socceroos Drop Captain Maty Ryan, Hand Seven Players First Call-Ups For Brazil Friendlies
Socceroos captain Maty Ryan has been left out of coach Tony Popovic's squad altogether for two upcoming friendlies against Brazil, according to the Guardian. It's a surprise call, given the 34-year-old Levante goalkeeper has made a strong start to his La Liga season.
Ryan lost his starting jersey to young goalkeeper Patrick Beach at the World Cup. He was then brought on for the round-of-32 penalty shootout loss to Egypt. Popovic has since said the substitution was flagged to Ryan before kick-off.
Why Was Ryan Left Out?
Popovic said Ryan took the news well and remains firmly in his plans, according to The Australian. He called Ryan the ultimate professional, pointing to his more than 100 caps for the national side.
The coach added he wanted to look at another goalkeeper, making clear his staff had given several keepers opportunities during his tenure. Ryan has kept two clean sheets in five La Liga appearances for Levante this season, per The Australian.
Who Else Missed Out?
Uncapped St Mirren goalkeeper Jacob Chapman has been named as Ryan's replacement in the squad, joining Beach and Paul Izzo as the three keepers. He is one of seven uncapped players named.
They include untried left-back Kasey Bos, younger brother of the injured Jordan Bos, and 19-year-old defender Dylan Leonard.
Former A-League forwards Marcus Younis, now with Brondby IF, and Eli Adams, playing for Gamba Osaka, earned their first call-ups. So did Kealey Adamson of QPR and Yaya Dukuly of NK Celje.
Several World Cup squad members were omitted, including Cameron Devlin, Nishan Velupillay, Mathew Leckie, Ajdin Hrustic, Kai Trewin and Awer Mabil.
Injuries have hit hard, with Jordan Bos unavailable with a knee injury and central defender Cam Burgess out with an achilles problem.
Winger Cristian Volpato is sidelined by a hamstring injury, and the timing is awkward, with Popovic set to speak publicly for the first time since Volpato was fined last week for driving with cocaine in his system in July.
The Sassuolo player intends to contest the charge in court.
Who Is Coming Back?
Riley McGree and Patrick Yazbek return to the squad after missing the World Cup through injury. Alex Robertson has also been recalled. Sixteen players from the 26-man World Cup squad have kept their places.
What Happens Next?
Australia hosts Brazil in Brisbane on 25 September. A second friendly follows in Townsville on 28 September. They're the Socceroos' first matches on home soil since March.
Popovic said the games were being used with an eye on both the Asian Cup and the team's longer-term future.
The squad has only two camps and four matches left before the Asian Cup squad is picked, and Popovic called the Brazil fixtures critical preparation.