The Socceroos are preparing for their upcoming match against Paraguay, but the coaching staff has yet to finalize the team lineup. Assistant coach Paul Okon confirmed that changes are likely, especially with the absence of Mathew Leckie due to a hamstring injury.

Leckie's Injury Update

Okon announced that Leckie will not be available for selection against Paraguay, stating, “Mat Leckie will be out of this game.” The 35-year-old forward had been a doubt for the match after missing training earlier in the week and was substituted during the loss to the USA after experiencing discomfort in his hamstring. Okon noted that Leckie's rehabilitation will depend on the team's progress in the tournament, emphasizing the importance of his recovery.

Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny

Following the recent match against the USA, questions have arisen regarding coach Tony Popovic's tactical choices. Notably, he opted to bench key players Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalf, who had both scored in the previous victory over Türkiye. Okon acknowledged the fans' desire to see all players utilized effectively, stating, “I can understand people want to see all of those types of players play the maximum minutes.” However, he explained that decisions are made based on players' physical, mental, and tactical readiness.

As the Socceroos gear up for this critical encounter, the coaching staff is focused on making the necessary adjustments to ensure a competitive performance against Paraguay.