Brisbane: Australia received a timely boost ahead of their Asian Cup quarter-final against China on Thursday when Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak rejoined the team at training.
Jedinak missed Australia’s final two group matches after injuring his ankle in the opening match of the tournament but is expected to take his place in the starting line-up when the knockout phase begins.
His return is great news for a team that lost their last group match 1-0 against South Korea and striker Mathew Leckie said Jedinak’s presence would have a big influence on the match ahead.
“It will be tough for the other team to deal with, knowing that our captain is back,” Leckie told reporters on Tuesday.
“He’s a strong presence in the midfield, he breaks down a lot of play and I think it will be a massive boost for all of us.
“He has done so well this year and I’m sure the opposition will know that as well. So when they see him coming back, they will be worried.”
After winning their first two matches to seal their place in the quarters with a match to spare, the Australians rested several of their first-choice players for the match with South Korea.
But the Socceroos will go back to their strongest line-up for the sudden-death clash with China, who were unbeaten in their three pool games.
“We really want to do well, as do China,” said Australian forward Tim Cahill, who only played the last 20 minutes against South Korea.
“The great thing about the game is that Australia has a massive Chinese community, so it will be a full house and a game of excitement.”
