AFC Asian Cup 2023, IND vs AUS Injury Updates: Injury-plagued India set to take on fit Socceroos

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AFC Asian Cup, IND vs AUS injury updates: India face Group B giants the Socceroos in their first match of the AFC Asian Cup 2024 campaign. This is the toughest battle for them in this group. Hence, coach Igor Stimac would want to line up his strongest XI.

However, the reality is far from that as the Croatian was handed several injuries ahead of the competition. This is sure to trouble the Blue Tigers, especially considering Australia seem to be doing well on their front.

AFC Asian Cup 2023: India Injury Update

Among the squad that travelled to Qatar for the tournament, Sahal Abdul Samad seems to be the point of worry for everyone. He appeared for the press conference along with coach Stimac ahead of the match against Australia.

There have been speculations that he might be out for the entire group stage. However, even if he isn't fit to feature against the Socceroos, he could be fit for the rest of the matches.

Barring Sahal, the coach already had to compromise with his squad selection due to numerous injuries. Key players such as Anwar Ali is out with an ankle injury, Jeakson Singh is yet to recover from his shoulder injury, and Ashique Kuruniyan is nursing an ACL injury.

AFC Asian Cup 2023: Australia Injury Update

Similar to the Indian football team, Australia's main injury concern is with one player, their first-choice goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. Ryan suffered a fractured cheekbone in mid-December. He hasn't played since then and was a doubt for the match against India.

However, during the pre-match press conference, Australia football team coach Graham Arnold assured that he is available for selection. It's unknown whether he will take to the field with a protective mask.

Coach Graham had to compromise with some injuries ahead of the tournament as well. Mathew Leckie and Jamie Maclaren had to be excluded from the squad with injuries. Both players play key roles in the team. Especially Leckie who was a regular in the 2022 World Cup.