Busan: Australia goalkeeper Mitch Langerak, who was due to join the team in Korea Republic on Monday, has withdrawn from the camp due to illness.
Langerak, who played in the J-League at the weekend fell ill after the game and after discussions with the head coach Graham Arnold and the Australian medical team over the past few days, it was decided it would be best for him to stay in Japan.
“I was desperate to join the boys in camp, we’ve had a great start to the season in Japan. However, I didn’t want to jeopardise anyone else in camp, so I accept this is probably the right decision. I’ll be watching from home and I’m sure the boys will do us proud,” he said.
Langerak’s withdrawal means Lawrence Thomas and Andrew Redmayne are in line to earn their first Socceroos cap in the friendly against Korea Republic on Friday.
Head coach Arnold said he’s been very impressed with both A-League goalkeepers so far.
“Both Lawrence and Andrew have been magnificent at training. They have both had great domestic seasons, they are sharp, they are strong and they’ve been working brilliantly with John Crawley over the past week.
“They each know what it’s like to play in Asia having experienced the AFC Champions League and they know all about big games and big crowds, whoever gets the nod on Friday night will be great for us,” he said.
Source: the-afc.com