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Socceroos Face Significant Defensive Blow with Harry Souttar Injury

The Australian Socceroos have been dealt a significant blow with the injury of key defender Harry Souttar. Souttar, who plays for Sheffield United on loan from Leicester City, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a Championship match against Burnley. This injury is expected to keep him sidelined for up to 12 months, a devastating setback for both the player and the national team.

Souttar's injury occurred in the final moments of the match when he took a heavy touch and lunged to clear the ball, immediately showing signs of discomfort and needing assistance off the pitch. This is the second serious injury for Souttar in three years, following an ACL rupture in 2021.

The absence of Souttar creates a significant challenge for Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, particularly with crucial World Cup qualifying matches ahead. The team is currently second in Group C and needs to maintain this position to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Popovic will have to rely on other defenders such as Cameron Burgess, Kye Rowles, and Hayden Matthews to fill the gap left by Souttar.

Souttar has expressed his disappointment and gratitude to Sheffield United, where he had been a key player, starting 21 of their 23 matches before the injury. He has returned to Leicester to begin his rehabilitation and is contracted to the Foxes until the end of the 2028 season, giving him time to rebuild his career once he regains full fitness.

#Socceroos,#HarrySouttar,#AchillesInjury,#WorldCupQualifiers,#AustralianFootball