In a blow to the Socceroos’ group opponents Chile, midfielder Matias Fernandez will miss the World Cup due to injury.
Fernandez, 28, has revealed he needs surgery on his right ankle and will miss his nation’s World Cup campaign which kicks off next month.
"I'm not able to play the World Cup, I have to have an operation," Fernandez was quoted as saying by South American media.
"It was in my plans, I had only had discomfort and I thought it would not be serious.
"It was difficult as not playing at a World Cup is complicated. I was told it was serious.
"It would be irresponsible not to go one hundred percent to the World Cup. The ankle is not going to improve until my operation."
This news comes hot on the heels of an injury to Juventus’ talented midfielder Arturo Vidal who was forced to have knee surgery after the Italians won the Scudetto. However he has been passed fit, according to team doctors.
The Socceroos face Chile in their opening group game at the World Cup on June 13.
Chile’s 30-man squad was announced last week.
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo, Johnny Herrera, Paulo Garces, Cristopher Toselli
Defenders: Enzo Andia, Marcos Gonzalez, Jose Rojas, Gary Medel, Miiko Albornoz, Eugenio Mena, Jose Pedro Fuenzalida
Midfielders: Pablo Hernandez, Felipe Gutierrez, Rodrigo Millar, Francisco Silva, Carlos Carmona, Charles Aranguiz, Arturo Vidal, Gonzalo Jara, Matias Fernandez, Jorge Valdivia, Marcelo Diaz, Jean Beausejour, Mauricio Isla
Forwards: Esteban Paredes, Gustavo Canales, Alexis Sanchez, Mauricio Pinilla, Fabian Orellana, Eduardo Vargas