Postecoglou feels for Kruse after ACL injury

Ange Postecoglou’s concern for Robbie Kruse far outweighed Australia’s World Cup ambitions after confirmation Kruse had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou-s concern for Robbie Kruse far outweighed the squad-s World Cup ambitions after confirmation the Bayer Leverkusen striker had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

The injury has almost certainly ruled the 25-year-old out of June-s World Cup with Postecoglou putting National concern on the backburner as Kruse faces a lengthy rehabilitation program.

“I heard last night and my primary concern is for Robbie as a player because he-s been denied the opportunity to represent his country at the highest level at the biggest sporting event in the world later this year,” Postecoglou said.

“It is a tough break for Robbie, who was playing some great football and was certainly a massive part of our plans for the World Cup.

“It-s fine to say he-ll get another chance but you just never know and I feel for him as the 2014 World Cup was looming as a great opportunity for Robbie to show the world what he is capable of.

“It will have an impact but for me the primary concern is for the player in this situation.”

Postecoglou was informed of the devastating news while in Europe as part of a month-long global trip to check on the fortunes of Socceroo players just six months out from the World Cup in Brazil.

The Socceroos coach tried to contact Kruse upon hearing of the news but will attempt to catch up with the striker in the next fortnight.

“I tried to contact him but I-ve been told he-s pretty upset at the moment,” Postecoglou said. “I-ll be in Germany in a couple of weeks- time and I-ll try to catch up with him while I-m there.”

Postecoglou also declared he was certain Kruse would be able to bounce back from the setback.

“One positive is the fact he is young and I know he-ll work hard on his recovery and come back a better player,” Postecoglou said. “There is a carrot of an Asian Cup on home soil in 12 months and he will play a big part in what we are trying to achieve with the National Team.