30 Aug Star Socceroo overlooked in squad for opening World Cup qualifier

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has named his 23-man squad for their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on Wednesday, September 11 (AEST).

Arnold decided to leave out midfielder Tom Rogic for their Group B opener with the Celtic star yet to feature this season due to an ankle injury.

Uncapped Fleetwood Town defender Harry Souttar was called-up to an inexperienced squad that includes a dozen players with 10 caps or less.

“I find it exciting for the Socceroos and the nation that there were so many more players in contention for this squad," Arnold said.

"I am expecting healthy competition for places in the starting side for Kuwait and our upcoming qualification matches as we target a winning start on our journey to Qatar."

Kuwait, who sit 156th in the world rankings, were defeated 4-0 by Australia in their previous meeting.

Australia’s 23-man squad:

Mustafa Amini

Aziz Behich

Brandon Borrello

Milos Degenek

Apostolos Giannou

Craig Goodwin

Rhyan Grant

Ajdin Hrustic

Jackson Irvine

James Jeggo

Mitchell Langerak

Mathew Leckie

Massimo Luongo

Awer Mabil

Jamie Maclaren

Mark Milligan

Aaron Mooy

Andrew Redmayne

Mathew Ryan

Trent Sainsbury

Brad Smith

Harry Souttar

Adam Taggart