Australia injury news: Velupillay ruled out of World Cup qualifier against Bahrain

Velupillay, who scored on his international debut against China last month, was injured soon after being substituted on in the 0-0 draw against the Saudis on Thursday.

Australia’s Nishan Velupillay suffered an ankle injury during the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia at AAMI Park on Thursday in Melbourne. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Australia winger Nishan Velupillay has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier against Bahrain on Tuesday after suffering an ankle injury against Saudi Arabia last week.

Velupillay, who scored on his international debut against China last month, was injured soon after being substituted on at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in the 0-0 draw against the Saudis.

Governing body Football Australia said there was no timeline set for the 23-year-old’s return and did not announce a replacement in Tony Popovic’s squad which travelled to Riffa.

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Australia, which was upset 1-0 at home by Bahrain in September, is second in Group C at the halfway mark of the third phase of Asian qualifying, seven points behind runaway leader Japan and one point ahead of fifth-placed Bahrain.

The top two finishers in the group qualify directly for the 2026 finals in North America, while the third and fourth-placed teams advance to another round of qualifiers.