MARTIN BOYLE WITHDRAWS FROM THE WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT AFTER SUFFERING A KNEE INJURY

As the Socceroos prepare to take part in the FIFA World Cup, Australia suffered a crushing blow after attacker Martin Boyle was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury on Sunday, two days before their opening match at the tournament. In its inaugural World Cup match on November 23, Australia will face the defending champions France in a match that will be played in Group D.

It was not known if Boyle would return to the game after sustaining an injury playing for his Scottish club Hibernian while on his way to Qatar. Marco Tilio will replace him in the starting lineup. As a positive development for the Socceroos, midfielder Ajdin Hrustic is now cleared to play in the Socceroos' tournament-opening match against France on Wednesday morning.

Graham Arnold told the Socceroos website that the news the team received was devastating for Martin and his family. It was pretty much clear when we selected him that it would be a close call... Despite the fact that we were 80-20 certain Boyle would have been out, we still wanted to give him every last chance he could get fit, especially after all the sacrifices and all he has done throughout this entire campaign. The fact is that Boyle has been a huge part of our team all throughout this entire campaign. He has been one of the most important players we have had this season so far.

In spite of that, the medical staff has done everything they could to help, and yesterday was pretty much the last chance and it did not go through well for him. Although he is in great spirits, he intends to remain part of this camp. The energy he brings to the camp is phenomenal. He is going to stay here and stay a part of it still. In addition, Hrustic was also racing against time after injuring his ankle in a Serie A match with Hellas Verona. Hrustic will not start against France, but he will be available for the Socceroos' following games against Tunisia and Denmark.

By Rashmi Goel