Souttar acknowledges uncertainty about World Cup team place

The 27-year-old central defender has arrived at the Socceroos training base in Sarasota, Florida, in preparation for the World Cup from June 11 to July 19, aiming to maintain fitness and regain the impressive performances that highlighted his contribution to Australia's progress to the last 16 in Qatar 2022.

Nearly 17 months after an Achilles tendon injury followed by knee issues, Souttar made his comeback for Leicester City in England last month, where he netted a goal and completed a full 90-minute match.

"Clearly, you experience highs and lows during recovery from injury and returning to play," Souttar commented from Florida.

"There were moments when I resumed training but encountered minor setbacks requiring further surgery, leading to repeated interruptions and restarts, along with the uncertainty of whether I would recover in time or be fully fit.

"There remains considerable effort needed to secure a spot in the final squad, given how well the group has performed.

"A great deal of dedication lies ahead, and I must demonstrate over the coming four weeks the abilities I possess."

Four years earlier, the Scotland-born Souttar was also fighting to regain fitness before the Qatar tournament due to an ACL tear.

Ultimately, he played a vital part in Graham Arnold's Australian team, delivering several commanding defensive displays against Tunisia and Denmark that resulted in shutouts and propelled the Socceroos into the knockout rounds.

Souttar aims to replicate such influence as Tony Popovic's side seeks to progress from a group including Turkey, Paraguay, and the co-hosting United States.

During Souttar's extended time away from international duty, Popovic has depended significantly on Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess at the heart of defence, while leaving an opportunity for Souttar.

He faces competition from players such as Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, and Kye Rowles to claim a position in Popovic's definitive 26-player roster.

"Examining every position in the squad, you find three or four competitors vying for it," Souttar noted.

"It will maintain the elevated standards as it always has here. No one has a assured position."