Thomas Deng replaces Mark Milligan in Caltex Socceroos’ squad

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.

Deng Socceroos Podcast
Thomas Deng made his Caltex Socceroos debut against Kuwait in 2018

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.

Click here to download the My Football Live App now.

SOCCEROOS BUY NEPAL TICKETS

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

Socceroos-World-Cup-hub-header


PLAYER FEATURES:

After European heroics, Degenek wants to do 'damage' on the road to Qatar

Chemistry & competitive edge: Goodwin on launchpad for FIFA World Cup

Why Taggart will become an even more deadly scorer under Arnold

The monumental hurdle that built Borrello for Bundesliga

The step up that readied Amini to take Caltex Socceroos chance

Irvine’s 'trademark' that could bolster Caltex Socceroos arsenal

'Goose bumps': Hrustic's Caltex Socceroos dream a decade in the making

How City's Guardiola blueprint is set to benefit Maclaren

Never missed a minute: Grant's plan to build on remarkable feat

The 'surreal', 'teary' moment driving Redmayne to new limits

GetOnside AusBid2023 Limitless Banner