Atkinson ruled out of Tunisia clash with ankle injury

Socceroos defender Nathaniel Atkinson will be unable to start in tomorrow's crucial clash with Tunisia, forcing coach Graham Arnold to make a late change to his line-up.

France v Australia: Group D - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

AL WAKRAH, QATAR - NOVEMBER 22: Nathaniel Atkinson of Australia in action with Kylian Mbappe of France during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between France and Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on November 22, 2022 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) Credit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images

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Team officials have confirmed Atkinson had not recovered from a knock he suffered in the team's devastating defeat at the hands of France on Thursday.

Atkinson's absence is a big loss for the Aussie side, who face an enormous challenge against Tunisia and the 40,000 screaming Tunisian fans expected to pack out the stadium.

'I expect them to come out all guns blazing': Arnold on how Socceroos plan to beat Tunisia

Arnold must now select between Thomas Deng, Milos Degenek and Fran Karacic to fill the right-back vacancy.

In positive news for the Socceroos, Ajdin Hrustic is expected to join the team to take on Tunisia.

How to watch Socceroos v Tunisia LIVE and FREE on SBS

Saturday, November 26

Group D - Tunisia v Australia

7:30pm - 11:30pm (AEDT) - kickoff at 09.00pm

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