Squad Notes: The returning players and potential debutants for March window

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After Graham Arnold his latest 25-man squad for the upcoming Second Round FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers against Lebanon in Sydney and Canberra respectively, take a look at some of the talking points.

Australia has made a faultless start from its opening two Group I matches which took place back in November, defeated Bangladesh 7-0 in Melbourne before recording a narrow 1-0 victory over Palestine in Kuwait City.

This will be the first time the Aussies are back in action since a heartbreaking extra-time quarter final exit against Korea Republic at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Arnold has opted for a similar squad to Qatar with the majority of the side returning except five players. AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ squad members Aziz Behich (calf), Martin Boyle (concussion), Aiden O’Neill (suspension/ankle) and Marco Tilio (hamstring) have all been ruled out of the upcoming qualifiers against Lebanon. Meanwhile, Lawrence Thomas is absent from this camp.

It is also Australia's third meeting against Lebanon and first competitive encounter after a pair of 3-0 friendly wins in 2012 and 2018.

Ajdin Hrustic in action against Argentina in June 2023. Photo credit: Aleksandar Jason/Socceroos.

Returning Players

Four players come into the squad who did not feature at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. Brandon Borrello is back for the first time since November last year after recovering from an injury which cruelly ruled him out of contention for the tornament.

Creative midfielder Ajdin Hrustic returns with his previous call-up in June last year against Argentina. The 27-year-old has made five starts, scoring one goal since joining Eredivisie outfit Heracles Almelo from Hellas Verona in January.

Following his scintillating form with Perth Glory, striker Adam Taggart has earned a call-up. Taggart has scored a prolific 14 goals in 18 matches along with three assists. The 30-year-old was last in the national team set up for the September 2022 window and has netted six goals in 17 caps for Australia.

Tom Glover enters the fray again after last featuring in the October camp in London. Glover has played 20 times across all competitions for Middlesbrough this season and deputised in the Championship while Seny Dieng was away on international duty with Senegal.

Potential debutants

Midfielder Patrick Yazbek, forward John Iredale and goalkeeper Tom Glover are currently the only potential debutant in the squad. They are yet to make a senior appearance for their country.

Match Details - March Window

Subway Socceroos v Lebanon
Thursday, 21 March 2023
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Kick-off: 8.00pm
Tickets: Start from $20 Child, $25 Concession, $30 Adult, $80 Family via Ticketek
Broadcast: 10Bold, 10Play and Paramount+

Lebanon v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday, 26 March 2024
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $25 Adult, and $50 Family via Ticketek
Broadcast: 10Bold, 10Play and Paramount+