Ahead of September's Socceroos camp, Mathew Leckie has shared the news that he has unfortunately declared himself unavailable for selection.
With the squad for Australia's upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers set to be named this weekend, Leckie opened up on the logistical obstacles preventing his involvement during the upcoming window.
Leckie, 31, wore the captain's armband for his nation during June's FIFA window, but after signing for Melbourne City in the A-League, cited Australia's mandatory quarantine requirements as a key factor preventing his involvement for the indefinite future.
"It’s a busy upcoming few months with the windows in September, October, November; three windows in three months," Leckie told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"In normal times, it’s pretty difficult because it’s full on in that time of the year. Now with COVID and the rules in Australia, we would go there for 10 days, come back and quarantine for two weeks, be home for maybe a week max and do it all over again and basically do that three times in three months. I would probably be in quarantine more than I would be at home.
We just arrived back from Germany. We just tried to settle in, there’s a lot to do and I just wouldn’t be able to leave my family alone.
"In terms of rules about travelling overseas, quarantine times and all that, it’s a bit of a mystery. I am playing it by ear I guess, if the rules do change quite rapidly with the number of cases and what’s happening with COVID. At the moment, it’s this [camp against China and Vietnam], then I will have to try and see where we’re at next month.”
While it has been confirmed that Australia will play China PR in Doha, Qatar next month as the team’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ AFC Asian Qualifiers Final Round fixtures commence, Football Australia is continuing discussions to ensure the Socceroos’ allotted home matches for October and November 2021 against Oman (October) and Saudi Arabia (November) will be able to be played on home soil.
In the meantime, the reality for Leckie was reflected in a tough conversation he shared with Head Coach Graham Arnold this week.
“I was devastated. I told him (Arnold) playing for the national team, I always loved it more than anything. I committed to it more than any club commitments, it was always my number one thing to do,” Leckie said.
“I told him my situation of being away for so long, being away from my family. It wasn’t easy but he understood, he always understands when it comes to family. He was obviously disappointed as well. There are a few of us over here he will miss from the squad.”
