SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia captain Mile Jedinak has been ruled out of the Asian World Cup playoff against Syria after failing to recover from a long-term groin injury. Syria have been forced to play their 'home' qualifiers away from the war-torn Middle East nation due to security concerns. The other four promoted, were defenders Aziz Behich, Matthew Jurman and Josh Risdon, and Netherlands-based midfielder Craig Goodwin. The winners of that intercontinental playoff secure a berth in the 32-team field for next year's World Cup finals in Russia. Postecoglou is likely to hand the captain's armband to seasoned midfielder Mark Milligan or possibly Cahill if he starts in Malacca.

Source: The Star September 27, 2017 04:07 UTC