There are 19 Caltex Socceroos already in camp, with seven more to join them as Bert van Marwijk and his staff undertook their first training session in Antalya, Turkey on Sunday AEST.
With Hyundai A-League stars Daniel Arzani, Joshua Brillante, Dimitri Petratos and James Troisi already among the host of players present, Aaron Mooy, Josh Risdon, Mat Ryan, Mathew Jurman, Milos Degenek, Tom Rogic, and Mile Jedinak will arrive at varying stages over the coming week.
DAY ONE WRAP: World first Caltex Socceroos used to be ready for Russia
Mooy and Ryan have already commenced their journey to Turkey, while Milos Degenek, Matthew Jurman and Tom Rogic played their final club games over the weekend before departing.
While leaves skipper Jedinak and Risdon as the final two to arrive – with Jedinak’s Aston Villa still to contest the Championship play-off final at 2.00am Sunday 27 May AEST.
But the reason behind Western Sydney Wanderers FC right back Risdon not making the journey with his Hyundai A-League cohort is rather more personal – he got married on Sunday to partner Ebony!
Risdon has most recently been keeping his sharpness up by training in Perth before tying the knot.
The 25-year-old, and the other Australian-based players, have also been working closely with Socceroos Head of Sports Science Dr Craig Duncan.
“We’ve been working with these players as they completed their A-League season and others have been given a program to make sure they are ready at the onset of camp,” explained Duncan to socceroos.com.au.
“I have worked extensively with Josh Risdon, Daniel Arzani and Dimi Petratos also completed sessions post Grand Final.”
So as Risdon now prepares to depart for a shot in the final 23 man squad to head to Russia, we wish he and Ebony a big congratulations!