Mat Ryan Returns to Captain Australia as Socceroos Gear Up for World Cup Qualifiers

Mat Ryan resumes his captaincy of Australia, joined by Craig Goodwin who is back from injury, in Graham Arnold's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain and Indonesia. The team welcomes several changes including Awer Mabil and Lewis Miller, aiming for a sixth consecutive World Cup qualification.

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan will return to captain Australia after taking a break from international duty. He is joined by winger Craig Goodwin, who is back from injury, in Graham Arnold's squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain and Indonesia.

Ryan had skipped the June window as the Socceroos completed the previous phase of Asian qualifying with a perfect record, achieving comfortable wins over Palestine and Bangladesh. Goodwin, who had a bright start for Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, returns after recovering from a rib injury sustained in April.

Several new names have been introduced to the squad, including Switzerland-based winger Awer Mabil, Scotland-based defender Lewis Miller, and holding midfielder Aiden O'Neill, who have returned from injuries. Central defender Thomas Deng and winger Sam Silvera, along with Portsmouth teammate Kusini Yengi, have also been included. Exciting young talent, 18-year-old Nestory Irankunda, retained his place despite an injury scare at Bayern Munich training.

(With inputs from agencies.)