Australia manager Graham Arnold has left son-in-law Trent Sainsbury out of his World Cup squad
Australia manager Graham Arnold has left his son-in-law Trent Sainsbury out of his final 26-man squad for the World Cup.
The Al-Wakrah defender has 58 caps for his national side in the last eight years, featuring at the 2018 World Cup during that time.
Arnold announced which players he'd be taking to Qatar on Monday, with Sainsbury a shock omission.
Sainsbury has been married to Arnold's daughter, Elissa since 2017 and the couple have two children together.
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It was a hot topic in Arnold's press conference immediately after confirming his squad selection.
"Obviously it was a very, very difficult decision," the 59-year-old admitted. "I've spoken to Trent about where he's at right now. He's not played for a number of weeks, obviously he's here in Qatar.
"Overall I've gone for players like Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles who've done exceptionally well and continue to do well.
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"Trent was very understanding of the situation but it's a decision that, again, is hard to make.
"We went for four-and-a-half centre backs, I say half because Thomas Deng can play centre back and right-back. We need to be adaptable."
18-year-old Garang Kuol, who will join Premier League outfit Newcastle United in January, is a shock inclusion after impressing for Central Coast Mariners.
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West Bromwich Albion midfielder Tom Rogic is another omission, as is veteran goalkeeper Mitch Langerak.
Australia are in Group D alongside holders France, Denmark and Tunisia.
Their first game is against France on November 22.
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Check out their full squad list below:
Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic, Andrew Redmayne
Defenders: Nathaniel Atkison, Aziz Behich, Fran Karacic, Joel King, Kye Rowles, Harry Souttar, Milos Degenek, Thomas Deng, Bailey Wright
Midfielders: Keanu Baccus, Cameron Devlin, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Aaron Mooy, Riley McGree
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Forwards: Craig Goodwin, Martin Boyle, Jamie Maclaren, Awer Mabil, Mat Leckie, Garang Kuol, Mitchell Duke, Jason Cummings
Topics: Australia
Daniel Marland