Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak in doubt for Oman game with ankle injury

CAPTAIN Mile Jedinak is Australia’s major injury concern heading in to Tuesday’s second group game against Oman at ANZ Stadium.

Australia's captain Mile Jedinak (R) injures his ankle against Kuwait as teammate Tim Cahill (L) looks on during the opening football match of the AFC Asian Cup in Melbourne on January 9, 2015. AFP PHOTO / William WEST --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE--

CAPTAIN Mile Jedinak is Australia’s major injury concern heading in to Tuesday’s second group game against Oman at ANZ Stadium.

After using 44 players at international level in 2014, coach Ange Postecoglou says he is confident the Socceroos have the depth to overcome any injury worries throughout the Asian Cup.

And striker Tomi Juric, impressive off the bench in his 25-minute cameo during the 4-1 win over Kuwait at AAMI Park on Friday night, said there were plenty of players willing and ready to step up to the mark.

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Mile Jedinak receives treatment after rolling his ankle in the game against Kuwait.

Jedinak rolled his left ankle after coming down awkwardly in a contest for a header late in the first half.

He immediately cried out in pain and received treatment on the field, but played out the match and scored from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.

A visibly limping Jedinak avoided cameras and journalists after the match via a side door and, flanked by a Socceroos physio, walked straight on to the team bus.

Players flew to Sydney on Saturday and won’t train on Sunday, meaning it won’t be until Monday’s light run at ANZ Stadium that Jedinak’s prospects of facing Oman will become clearer.

Mark Milligan and Mark Bresciano, a second half substitute against Kuwait, would be the likely replacement options if the midfielder isn’t deemed fit.

“If anyone can’t back up we’ve got some real options,” Postecoglou said.

“Even off the bench (on Friday night) I thought Tomi Juric, Burnsy (Nathan Burns) and Bresh (Bresciano), were all outstanding and lifted the level again.

“That’s the reward for us for exposing a lot of them to international play in the last six months.”

Juric, playing just his sixth international, said he felt as if he belonged.

“I think every player that came on showed that they’re ready to do the job,” Juric said.

“It’s the same with the boys that didn’t get a run, they’re all ready and we’re all ready to play a big part in this tournament.

“Every player feels as if they belong out there, you wouldn’t be a footballer if you didn’t.”

Chris Herd and Ivan Franjic look set to battle it out for the right fullback slot.

One of the tightest selection decisions came at right back where Ivan Franjic got the nod ahead of Chris Herd.

Franjic hasn’t played since Australia’s friendly against Japan in November and as a result said that 90 minutes on Friday night had left him “knackered” after the match.

“I’m feeling pretty good after the game, it’s the best I’ve felt for a long time after the (hamstring) operation and World Cup injury,” Franjic said.

“I’ll be ready to go (against Oman), but that’s the coach’s decision.”

Juric had ice on his right calf, as he had at training this week, but the Western Sydney striker said it wasn’t a concern.

“It’s just the normal knocks and bumps,” Juric said.

“I’m just taking care of all of that and making sure they’re all good.”

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak in doubt for Oman game with ankle injury