Alameda: There is a cloud over the Socceroos ahead of their World Cup opener against Turkey after star striker Mohamed Toure appeared not to train with the team on Wednesday (local time).
All members of Australia’s 26-man squad were present at the Oakland Roots facility, including Toure, who a team spokesperson said had arrived on the bus from the hotel and had taken part in a team photo before the session.
However, the 22-year-old forward was not on the pitch for the 15-minute window in which media can observe training, raising concerns about his ability to play in Sunday’s (2pm AEST) clash with Turkey in Vancouver, Canada.
No further information about his fitness status was provided.
Toure has been one of the Socceroos’ form players at club level, scoring 10 goals in 12 games for Norwich City since his mid-season transfer to the English Championship club, a productive stint that was interrupted by a groin injury.
It would be a serious blow if he were not fit to play Australia’s first Group D fixture, as Toure is expected to be a key part of coach Tony Popovic’s game plan, using his pace to hit Turkey on the counter-attack and get in behind their defensive line.
Natural striking options in the squad are limited, with Tete Yengi – who made his international debut in the 1-1 friendly draw against Switzerland – the only genuine No.9.
However, Mathew Leckie and Nestory Irankunda are both capable of playing up front, with the former a logical back-up option given the intensity of the occasion, even though he hasn’t played there much of late for Melbourne City.
“The luxury of Mathew Leckie is that he can play anywhere. He has the experience and maturity that you don’t need a week or two of training in a position with him,” Popovic said when he unveiled his squad last week.
“You can basically show him a video, and he would know what to do.”
Socceroos Jordan Bos and Milos Degenek are due to speak to media after the training session.
More to come
