IN BRIEF
- Cristian Volpato has joined the Socceroos camp as he awaits FIFA approval to switch from Italy.
- Injuries to Riley McGree, Patrick Yazbek and Lewis Miller have opened the door for others.
The countdown is on for Tony Popovic's biggest selection call as Socceroos coach.
Australia's final 26-player squad for the FIFA World Cup must be submitted by June 1, with a pre-tournament training camp in the United States and friendlies against Mexico and Switzerland providing the final opportunity for players to stake their claim.
Speaking to ESPN from the Socceroos' camp in Sarasota this week, Popovic said he was "very close" to finalising his squad, with versatility and squad balance among the key factors in his decision-making.
Popovic is selecting from a wider provisional player pool already lodged with FIFA ahead of the tournament.
Under FIFA regulations, nations were required to submit preliminary lists before finalising a World Cup squad of up to 26 players, including at least three goalkeepers.
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While those provisional lists are not made public, Football Australia's extended training camp in the United States has provided the clearest indication of the players under consideration.
Inclusion in the training camp does not guarantee a place in the final World Cup squad, with Popovic required to trim his current group before submitting his final 26-player list to FIFA. Football Australia has described the camp as an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess players before submitting the final 26-player squad to FIFA.
Volpato selection a shake-up
Football Australia confirmed on Thursday that Italy-based attacker Cristian Volpato had joined the Socceroos' train-on squad.
The Sydney-born Sassuolo player is awaiting FIFA approval to switch his international allegiance from Italy after representing the European nation at youth level.
If cleared, Volpato could emerge as a late contender for Australia's squad.
Who looks safe?
While a number of players appear all but certain, several positions remain up for grabs.
Multiple reports suggest Captain Mat Ryan is expected to lead Australia at a fourth World Cup, while fellow goalkeeper Paul Izzo could be well placed to secure a backup role.
Defensively, Alessandro Circati, Cameron Burgess and Harry Souttar are likely to form the nucleus of Popovic's preferred back three if all are fit, according to Fox Sports' "State of Play" analysis
Fox Sports' State of Play analysis also identify Jordan Bos as a key figure on the left flank, while Jacob Italiano has emerged as a regular under Popovic following Lewis Miller's long-term injury setback.
In midfield, Jackson Irvine and Aiden O'Neill appear central to Australia's plans, while Paul Okon-Engstler has strengthened his case through a series of impressive performances for both the Young Socceroos and senior national team, Fox Sports reports.
The same analysis from Fox Sports states further forward, Connor Metcalfe, Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory Irankunda and Nishan Velupillay have all become regular selections during Popovic's tenure.
It also suggests Mohamed Toure's strong club form has also put him in a commanding position ahead of the final squad announcement.
Who is fighting for the final places?
The goalkeeper battle may come down to Patrick Beach and Joe Gauci.
According to Sportsbet's squad selection market, Mat Ryan is the favourite to be selected, while Joe Gauci and Tom Glover are considered longer shots.
FIFA regulations require three goalkeepers in the final squad, meaning someone could miss out.
Defence presents another selection dilemma.
Experienced internationals Milos Degenek and Jason Geria offer versatility across the backline, while teenage defender Lucas Herrington has emerged as one of the surprise names still in contention after earning a place in the extended training squad.
According to Fox Sports' State of Play analysis, Kai Trewin's ability to play both in defence and midfield could also work in his favour as Popovic weighs squad balance.
The analysis also identified, Cameron Devlin in the midfield, has forced himself back into the conversation after a strong season with Scottish side Hearts.
The 27-year-old has not featured regularly for the Socceroos in recent years, but Fox Sports noted the 27-year old remains one of the more combative options available in the centre of the park.
The outlet also highlighted the competition for attacking positions, with experienced campaigners Mathew Leckie and Awer Mabil remaining in the mix, while Brandon Borrello and Tete Yengi are among those pushing for places in the final squad.
Volpato's arrival has only added to the competition.
Although his international switch is yet to be finalised, his inclusion in the camp suggests Football Australia sees him as a player capable of contributing to the national team setup in the future — and potentially sooner rather than later.
The Socceroos face Mexico at the Rose Bowl before taking on Switzerland in San Diego as preparations for the tournament continue.
While those matches may provide one final chance for players on the fringes to impress, Popovic's comments suggest many of the major decisions have already been made.
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