Socceroos captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan is in doubt for the Asian Cup after fracturing his cheekbone in training. The 31-year-old underwent surgery and will be sidelined for several weeks, casting doubt on his participation in the tournament starting in January.
Ryan's injury leaves coach Graham Arnold with a dilemma ahead of Australia's opening group match against India on 13 January. The Socceroos also face Syria and Uzbekistan in the group stage, with Ryan crucial to their hopes of improving on a quarter-final exit in 2019.
Australia lacks a clear second-choice goalkeeper, with Mitch Langerak out of favour and Andrew Redmayne dropped after poor form. Joe Gauci of Adelaide United is a potential option but has only one cap, while Tom Glover and Ashley Maynard-Brewer are yet to debut.
Ryan had been in strong form for AZ Alkmaar, playing all 24 games this season with 10 clean sheets. His absence would be a significant blow to Australia's Asian Cup ambitions.
