The Socceroos have been handed an anxious wait over the fitness of striker Mohamed Toure after the in-form forward was absent from training just three days out from Australia’s FIFA World Cup opener against Turkiye.
Toure, who has emerged as Australia’s first-choice No.9 under Tony Popovic, did not take part in the team’s latest session at their World Cup base in Oakland, California raising concerns over his availability for Sunday’s Group D opener in Vancouver.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday morning Socceroos defenders Milos Degenek and Jordan Bos were both asked about the injury plight of Toure.
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Milos Degenek
“So Mo’s expected to train tomorrow. There you go,” quipped Degenek. “Answered that before you asked it!”
Subsequently asked as to why Toure wasn’t in attendance at training, the experienced Degenek looked to reassure both media and fans alike.
“I didn’t notice he wasn’t out there because a lot of the session was separate parts, attack, defence…
“But you’ll see him tomorrow and I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to speak to you guys.”
Adelaide United product Toure has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past six months.
After joining Norwich City in the January transfer window from Danish side Randers, Toure’s electric form saw him bag nine goals in just 11 appearances to not only put him front and centre when it came to the Socceroos striking options, but also reportedly on the shopping list of numerous Premier League clubs.
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Mohamed Toure of Norwich City
However Toure has had his battles with injury so far this season, most notably missing five games for Norwich City across February and March due to a muscular issue.
“I don’t know why he wasn’t (there),” remarked Bos when asked about Toure’s situation.
He went on to add: “He’s a big asset to us, (he’s) been doing really well for his new club, scoring goals, his power and everything about him – (he’s a) great asset for us.”
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Should Toure fail to recover in time for the Socceroos Group D opener with Turkiye in Vancouver on Sunday then striker Tete Yengi could be the safest bet to lead the line for Popovic’s side.
The 25-year-old forward bagged his first Socceroos goal during the recent 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Other options for the Socceroos could be Melbourne City icon Mathew Leckie and Melbourne Victory forward Nishan Velupillay.
Leckie was a somewhat surprise pick for the Socceroos 26-man squad after enduring an injury-hit campaign of his own.
However the 81-cap veteran has plenty of experience at international level and his versatility across the frontline could make him a viable option for Popovic to throw into the mix.
As for Velupillay, the Victory attacker is a firm and trusted favourite of Popovic owing to his performances for both club and country and is another player capable of playing multiple positions in the attacking third.
