Injuries force Adam Taggart and Kusini Yengi out of Socceroos squad to face China

The Socceroos can take another important step towards FIFA World Cup qualification with a win over China in Hangzhou.

Veteran striker Mitch Duke has been called into the Socceroos squad for Tuesday night’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against China in Hangzhou following the withdrawals of forwards Adam Taggart and Kusini Yengi.

Neither Taggart or Yengi travelled to China following Australia’s 5-1 win over Indonesia on Thursday in Sydney.

Perth Glory marksman Taggart, who started in the victory, has reportedly succumbed to a groin injury that led to him taking no part in the game after half-time.

Portsmouth attacker Yengi, who only recently returned from a knee injury, was an unused substitute on Thursday.

However, he reportedly suffered an injury at a training session on Friday before the squad’s departure for China.

Japan-based Duke, who was omitted from the original 26-man contingent, will join the squad this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Socceroos’ 3-1 win over China in October was one of the most memorable nights of South Australian Craig Goodwin’s international career, as he not only played for the national team in his hometown of Adelaide but also scored a goal.

However, the Socceroos’ victory at Adelaide Oval will perhaps feel less significant if the Australians fall short against the same opponent in Hangzhou.

Craig Goodwin (23) celebrates with teammate Jackson Irvine after scoring for the Socceroos against China in Adelaide. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“The last outing against China was really happy for me, being in Adelaide and having a great impact on the game, but that game’s in the past,” star winger Goodwin said.

“We can look at the footage from that game, the way we played and the way they set up, but this will be a different game, a different environment, being away from home, which is always a little bit more difficult, and we just have to approach the game as a final.

“That’s what these last three (AFC third-round Group C qualifying) games are now. We have to approach them to pick up maximum points and leave everything on the line.”

Following their clash with China, the Socceroos will meet Japan and Saudi Arabia in June in their final two Group C games.

The top two nations from the three AFC third-round qualifying groups will guarantee themselves places at next year’s World Cup.

Group C leaders Japan have already secured a World Cup spot, with the Socceroos currently in second spot, a point ahead of Saudi Arabia and four points in front of Indonesia, Bahrain and China.

“The games are of such high importance now, and we know what’s at stake,” Goodwin said.

Socceroos star Craig Goodwin wants ‘maximum points’ against China on Tuesday night. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Socceroos are confident of back-to-back wins after their clinical performance against Indonesia.

“The best thing about it is that probably over the last few years we’ve had some really good games but we haven’t had that consistent cutting edge in the final third and put teams away,” Goodwin said.

“We always leave ourselves in a position where the games are tight, even if we’re winning, so the fact that we have a lot of room for improvement still but are still able to be ruthless in front of goal and really take our chances is a real positive.”

Despite being among the substitutes against Indonesia, the Saudi Arabia-based 33-year-old former Adelaide United captain was “really happy” with his contribution – which included assists for second-half goals scored by Lewis Miller and Jackson Irvine – after entering the contest in the 46th minute.

“Coming off the bench, trying to make as big an impact as possible – that’s what it’s about,” he said.

“Across the board, the boys that started, and the boys that came off the bench, really made a big impact.”