Luongo Sidelined: Australia's World Cup Qualifiers in Jeopardy

Massimo Luongo, Ipswich Town midfielder, has withdrawn from Australia's World Cup qualifiers due to ankle injury. Coach Tony Popovic has replaced him with Brattan and Yazbek. Australia must win against China, having one point from two matches. They aim for top two in Group C to qualify.

Ipswich Town midfielder Massimo Luongo has pulled out of Australia's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan, according to a Sunday announcement by Football Australia.

Luongo is sidelined due to an ankle injury, and Coach Tony Popovic has called up replacements Luke Brattan and Patrick Yazbek for the qualifiers in Adelaide and Saitama.

Australia requires a crucial win against China, with only one point from their first two matches, to stay in the race for a top-two finish in Group C and secure World Cup qualification.

(With inputs from agencies.)