Socceroos boss Graham Arnold will have one game to find a solution to Mitchell Duke’s absence after the striker was ruled out of the final Group B clash against Uzbekistan.
Duke, who had started the first two games of the Socceroos’ Asian Cup campaign, will miss the contest due to a hamstring strain and is on a game-by-game basis in terms of his return.
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Melbourne Victory striker Bruno Fornaroli looms as the most likely replacement, although Portsmouth forward Kusini Yengi presents another, more physical option up top.
The Aussies have already sealed a spot in the knockout stages after beating India and Syria in their first two group fixtures, with Uzbekistan winning once and drawing once.
However, Arnold’s side will be out to avoid defeat and go into the knockout stages as the winner of Group B.
Should they do just that, the Socceroos will avoid long-time nemesis Japan until the final given the Blue Samurai can no longer finish higher than second in Group D after a shock defeat to Iraq.
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Securing top spot would also likely result in avoiding South Korea until the final given they sit in second spot in Group E.
As it stands, Group C leaders Iran would also be on the other side of the draw if they maintain their spot.
It’s why the Socceroos simply cannot afford to rest on their laurels against Uzbekistan and secure, at the very least, a draw.
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