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Boyle in doubt for Socceroos WC qualifier

3 minute read

Winger Martin Boyle is rated a 50-50 chance for the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier against Vietnam as coach Graham Arnold ponders changes to his team.

MARTIN BOYLE.
MARTIN BOYLE. Picture: Mohamed Farag/Getty Images

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has vowed to pick his strongest possible lineup for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Group B minnows Vietnam.

Winger Martin Boyle is a doubt for the clash after tweaking a hamstring in Friday's impressive 3-0 win over China in Qatar but Arnold says otherwise his squad is fit and healthy for the clash in Hanoi.

Boyle will have to prove his fitness in a training session at the My Dinh Stadium later on Monday, with Arnold stating he won't take any risks with the in-form Scottish-born attacker.

"It's a World Cup qualifier. I've got to put my best team out there, that I feel that is ready to go on to the pitch and perform at its best," Arnold said.

"Yes, it was a comprehensive win against China, but I expect us to improve in every facet in the game tomorrow night.

"The most important thing is the boys are physically and mentally very, very good."

If Boyle is ruled out, Arnold has a number of options at his disposal.

Mitch Duke, a second-half goalscorer against China from the bench, could start out wide while Riley McGree or even versatile mdifielder Jackson Irvine could fill the wing spot.

Another player who could be in contention is Daniel Arzani.

The 22-year-old hasn't played for the national team since 2018 but Arnold is confident he is ready to return after a difficult three years with injury and limited opportunity at club level.

"I feel that Daniel is in a very good space at the moment. He did exceptionally well at the Olympics for me," Arnold said.

"He played more minutes there than what he's done in two seasons ... it was a great experience for him playing against the opposition that we did, it showed him and reminded him, what he needs to do to get back to the top."

Vietnam are playing in the third stage of World Cup qualifying for the first time and suffered a 3-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh in their opening fixture.

Arnold revealed his team had dealt with amphibious pitch invaders in their first training session in Hanoi on Sunday, but didn't believe likely humid conditions should be a reason for his team not to perform.

"We trained on a training pitch last night that was a great experience," he said.

"There was frogs on the pitch.

"You're asking about the conditions, it is what it is mate. You only can use that as excuses."

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