Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced that Caltex Socceroos captain Mark Milligan has been ruled out of tomorrow’s (local time) FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualification match against Kuwait with a minor leg injury.
Milligan has returned to his club, Southend United, and has been replaced in Australia’s squad by versatile Melbourne Victory defender Thomas Deng.
“We didn’t want to take any risks with Mark so we arranged for him to travel back to his club for ongoing care,” Caltex Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold said.
“Thomas was with us in October and November last year, and in June in Busan. He has now arrived in Kuwait and will provide a great defensive option for our squad.”
Over the past week Deng has been in camp with Australia’s U-23 National Team in Wollongong.
PREVIEW: Kuwait v Caltex Socceroos
ULTIMATE GUIDE: Road to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
It was in Kuwait City last year that Deng made his national team debut when he replaced Josh Risdon in the second half of Australia’s 4-0 international friendly win against Kuwait.
Watch Kuwait v Australia from 1:30am AEST on Wednesday 11 September live on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and via the My Football Live App, Live, Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
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Upcoming Matches – Caltex Socceroos – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and AFC Asian Cup China 2023™ – Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2
Kuwait v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 10 September 2019
Venue: Kuwait Club Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Kick-off: 6.30pm (local); 1.30am + 1 (AEST)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and via the My Football Live App, Live, Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers
Australia v Nepal
Date: Thursday, 10 October 2019
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 7.30pm (AEDT)
Tickets: Tickets on sale via www.socceroos.com.au
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and via the My Football Live App, Live, Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers
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