Australia's Degenek out of world cup qualifiers after positive COVID test

Bailey Wright replaces the Red Star Belgrade defender in Graham Arnold's squad for Thursday's Group B clash against Oman in Doha and next week's Japan game in Saitama.

FILE PHOTO: Australian defender Milos Degenek has been ruled out of the Socceroos' upcoming World Cup qualifiers after testing positive for COVID-19.

Australia defender Milos Degenek has been ruled out of the Socceroos' World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Japan after returning a positive COVID-19 test, the team said on Tuesday.

Bailey Wright replaces the Red Star Belgrade defender in Graham Arnold's squad for Thursday's Group B clash against Oman in Doha and next week's Japan game in Saitama.

Our squad has been updated ahead of this week's #AsianQualifiers, with defender @baileywright92 called up following the withdrawal of @milosdegenek45. #AllForTheSocceroos

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 4, 2021

 

"Degenek is asymptomatic, however after returning a positive test in his pre-departure screening, he has been ruled out of the upcoming FIFA international window," the team said in a media release.

Fifteen of Australia's 25-player squad had already arrived in Doha, with the rest to arrive later today.

Australia is top of Group B after beating China and Vietnam in its opening games of the current phase of Asian qualifying for next year's World Cup in Qatar.