Socceroos summon eight to training squad following McGree exclusion

One of Australia's most inventive players, McGree's setback arrives just days before coach Tony Popovic finalises his 26 player squad for the tournament in North America from June 11 to July 19, featuring matches against Turkey, co hosts the United States and Paraguay.

With Craig Goodwin not included for the pre World Cup training camp in Sarasota, Florida, McGree's absence leaves Australia short on options for left sided attackers.

Mitch Duke's chances of making the World Cup squad have effectively ended, as the seasoned striker is among eight mostly peripheral players omitted from the training camp.

Duke netted the decisive goal in a 1 0 group stage victory over Tunisia at Qatar 2022, aiding Australia's progress to the knockout stages.

Following the release of Scotland based striker Ante Suto, Popovic has handed a maiden call up to another uncapped forward, Tete Yengi, younger sibling of Kusini, who contributed in World Cup qualifying but was sidelined from the tournament due to a thigh issue.

Yengi, similar to Kusini, plies his trade as a striker in Japan.

He was part of an eight player group added to the squad, comprising defenders Alessandro Circati, Lucas Herrington, Kai Trewin and Kye Rowles, experienced winger Awer Mabil, goalkeeper Mat Ryan and defensive midfielder Paul Okon Engstler.

Three players will be trimmed from the 29 member training squad, with either Patrick Beach or Joe Gauci likely to miss out as the third choice goalkeeper behind skipper Ryan and Paul Izzo.

Australia will prepare for the World Cup with friendlies against Mexico in Pasadena on May 30 and Switzerland in San Diego on June 6, ahead of their World Cup opener against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13.