Aaron Mooy set to named in Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold looks set to name star midfielder Aaron Mooy in his Asian Cup squad next week, putting FFA on a collision course with relegation-threatened Hudderfield Town.

Mooy is central to Huddersfield’s Premier League chances. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

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Superstar Aaron Mooy looks set to be named in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad next week, despite his club Huddersfield Town ruling him until February with a knee injury.

Senior Socceroos physio Phil Coles will be deployed to England to assess Mooy next Friday (December 21), two days after Graham Arnold is due to announce his 23-man squad.

An independent assessment of Mooy’s injury has also been scheduled with Football Federation Australia hinting that it will be prepared to overrule his club if they deem him fit for January.

It would leave FFA on a collision course with Hudderfield Town, who are in the relegation zone and would miss Mooy for around seven games if he goes to the Asian Cup.

Mooy is central to Huddersfield’s Premier League chances. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

With a $6.96 million (USD$5m) prizemoney on offer for the winner, and $4.2 million (USD$3m) for the runners up, FFA are leaving nothing to chance.

Arnold, who is attempting to defend the Asian Cup crown won by Ange Postecoglou’s 2015 squad, said the Socceroos were eager to have Mooy in the United Arab Emirates

“We have agreed on this plan with Huddersfield Town and know that they are doing everything they can to manage Aaron’s injury,” Arnold said.

The midfielder is just as important to Australia. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“However with such an important tournament coming up for Australia we want to explore every option available to give Aaron the chance to feature for the Socceroos in the UAE.

“Of course, Aaron’s long-term career and fitness remains our primary concern and we will not rush him to return, however we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our attempt to have him available.”

The Socceroos open their Asian Cup account against Jordan on January 6, with the final on February 1

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