Football Australia has confirmed that towering Socceroos defender Harry Souttar has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Souttar was stretchered from the field after injuring his knee in Australia’s 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in last week’s World Cup qualifier in Sydney.
It means Australia will be without the 23-year-old for the rest of their qualifying campaign and potentially the 2022 World Cup in Qatar next year.
Stay up to date with all the latest news from SEN. Sign up HERE.
“We are devastated for Harry. This injury is a blow for an immensely talented young footballer, and in turn his country and club,” Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said in a statement.
“Harry is a determined and positive young man who will leave no stone unturned to return to the pitch as soon as possible.
“We will support Harry every step of the way and believe that he has an enormous future ahead of him playing at the highest levels of world football.”
The Stoke City defender has become a crucial part of Arnold’s Socceroos side, scoring six goals in 10 appearances since making his international debut in 2019.
Ryan McGowan and Bailey Wright have been called up to Australia’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against China in Sharjah on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
More in Football
Upsets galore as the Premier League title race becomes clearer
All of the Premier League action from overnight.
Defiant Ange insists Spurs speculation “doesn’t consume me”
Speculation grows on Postecoglou's future after another defeat leaves Spurs languishing in 14th.
Kerr's "regret" as she breaks silence over arrest
The superstar has expressed her "regret" over the arrest and subsequent court case.