Without a Socceroos appearance since the 2019 Asian Cup, Andrew Nabbout is relishing the opportunity to return to the national team camp.
Melbourne City’s Nabbout has not played for the Socceroos since Australia were knocked out of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Quarter Finals by the United Arab Emirates.
Prior to that, Nabbout was deployed to lead the line for the Green and Gold at the 2018 FIFA World Cup before a shoulder injury sustained in the second match in Russia cut his tournament short.
While injury has hampered the 28-year-old's international and club career, he is now fit and ready to replicate the form that saw him selected for the last World Cup.
“It's been a long time between drinks but Arnie called me the other day and just basically said that he wants me to be ready for both games,” Nabbout told Adam Peacock and Nick Davis on the Saturday Morning Mowers Club SEN radio show.
Unfortunately, last season I had a couple of injuries that probably dented my chances a little bit but I'm back now and I'm ready for whenever he needs me.
“It was great to get the phone call from him and to hear from him so I just can't wait to get back in.”
Nabbout is joined in the squad by club teammates Jamie Maclaren and Mathew Leckie. The three Melbourne City forwards are deep into pre-season preparations as the 2021/22 Isuzu UTE A-League season draws closer to kick-off.
While the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney has opened the door for Australian-based players to return to the squad, Aaron Mooy has been ruled out due to COVID-19 regulations in China.
Nabbout recognised the commitment that Socceroos players have made to represent the Green and Gold over the last year, and acknowledged the loss of Mooy in camp.
“The rules have changed with quarantine which makes it easier for us Australian-based boys,” he explained.
The boys had a great start to the campaign, and I can't wait to get in there and be a part of it.
“Obviously it's disappointing that Aaron won't be in there, but you've seen the depths that's been built over the last few years.
“There are players that are more than capable of coming in and I guess that's the beauty of the squad that has been built over the last couple of years.
“It's so strong and close-knit that whoever is called upon is going to come in and do a job.”
Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney will be the first match the Socceroos have played on home soil since October, 2019.
After seeing the Australian public turn out in force for recent Matildas friendlies in Sydney, Nabbout can not wait to play in front of the Green and Gold faithful once more.
“We've been waiting for this for a while,” Nabbout said.
“Obviously the Australian public deserves to have a game here. You saw the turnout for the Matildas game, and the crowd is literally our 12th man. It’s been over two years, 760 something days since we've played on home soil.
The team's done tremendously well to get to this point and now we get our home game in front of our home supporters so I can't wait.
“It's been since the Grand Final since I last played in front of a crowd so we're excited to play in front of a big one.”
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