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The holding midfielder came off early in Crystal Palace's
League Cup win over Shrewsbury Town this week and was expected
to be sidelined for "a short period", Australia coach Ange
Postecoglou said in a media release on Friday.
Forwards Tomi Juric and Robbie Kruse have also been ruled out of
the Sept. 3 match against Bangladesh in Perth and the away game
against Tajikistan on Sept. 8.
"Tomi (Juric) and Robbie (Kruse) have had recent injuries and
after speaking to our medical staff we believe they are better
served staying with their clubs to regain match fitness and not
undertake the travel so they are available for matches in the
next window," Postecoglou said.
The injuries have opened the door for uncapped Brisbane Roar
midfielder Luke Brattan to join the 23-man squad, along with
Italy-based based attacker Chris Ikonomidis and Germany-based
striker Ben Halloran.
Stalwart forward Tim Cahill has been retained in the squad.
Australia won their opener of the second round of Asian
qualifying away to Kyrgyzstan in June and are third in the group
behind first-placed Jordan and the second-placed Tajikistan.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by John O'Brien)
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