Soccer-Arnold shakes up Australia squad for World Cup qualifiers
MELBOURNE, Aug 30 (Reuters) -Goalkeeper Mat Ryan will return to captain Australia after taking a break from international duty while winger Craig Goodwin comes back from injury in Graham Arnold's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain and Indonesia.
Ryan skipped the June window as the Socceroos finished the pervious phase of Asian qualifying with a perfect record following comfortable wins over Palestine and Bangladesh.
Goodwin returns after a bright start for Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League following his recovery from a rib injury sustained in April.
He and Ryan were among seven changes to Arnold's squad for the home clash against Bahrain on the Gold Coast on Sept. 5 and the away match against Indonesia in Jakarta five days later.
Australia are looking to qualify for their sixth World Cup in succession, two years after reaching the last 16 in Qatar.
Switzerland-based winger Awer Mabil has been recalled along with Scotland-based defender Lewis Miller and holding midfielder Aiden O’Neill following their recovery from injuries.
Central defender Thomas Deng has also been included, with winger Sam Silvera joining Portsmouth teammate Kusini Yengi in the squad.
Arnold dropped a slew of A-League players on their off-season including forwards Daniel Arzani and Mathew Leckie.
The squad's most exciting young player, 18-year-old Nestory Irankunda, retained his place after an injury scare at training with Bayern Munich.
"We've got a great mix of players who’ve been through this phase of qualification before and can lead the way for some of the younger members of our squad, their experience will play an important role throughout this journey," Arnold said in a statement.
Australia are also drawn to play Japan, Saudi Arabia and China in Group C of Asian qualifying, with the top two finishers earning automatic berths to the 2026 finals in North America.
Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford
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