The Socceroos are anxiously awaiting news on the extent of a serious Achilles injury suffered by defender Rhys Williams while playing for Middlesbrough overnight.
The Socceroos are anxiously awaiting news on the extent of a serious Achilles injury suffered by defender Rhys Williams while playing for Middlesbrough overnight.
Williams went down just before the break in Middlesbrough-s 0-0 draw at home to Wigan Athletic in the Championship, causing a lengthy stoppage. A leg brace was applied and he was provided with oxygen on the pitch.
“Football Federation Australia medical staff have been informed by Middlesbrough that Socceroo defender Rhys Williams has suffered an Achilles injury and are awaiting more information regarding the extent of the injury,” an FFA spokesperson said.
While Middlesbrough are yet to comment on the severity of the injury, it appears the versatile player - capable of operating at centre-back, full-back and in defensive midfield - is in serious for Australia-s World Cup campaign, which begins against Chile on June 13.
"They will check him and we will know more soon but it looks like a very serious injury for Rhys," said Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka. "His face and the doctor's face were not good. He was crying and I feel sympathy for him.
"It is very bad injury for him. I hope he will recover as soon as possible because he had a big chance to play in the World Cup so that will be a big incentive for him.
"All our feelings are with him, mine, the team's, the staff's. He will get all the support we can give him."
A torn Achilles would likely sideline the 25-year-old for at least six months, ruling him out of Australia's FIFA World Cup campaign in Brazil.
It also casts doubts on Williams' immediate playing future, after the former Wales under-21 international had been linked with moves to English Premier League club Swansea City and Scottish Premiership champions Celtic during the January transfer window.
Williams, who has 14 international caps to his name, appeared a likely selection for June's World Cup after playing in new coach Ange Postecoglou's squad in the friendly match against Costa Rica in November.
It would be a cruel blow for the defender, who also missed out on a place in the 2010 World Cup squad due to a pelvic problem.
The Socceroos are already likely to be without forward Robbie Kruse for the World Cup after he suffered an ACL tear during training with club side Bayer Leverkusen.