Injury heartbreak for Deni Juric as potential Socceroos debut is placed on maintain | USAEMALL.com

Selection bolter Deni Juric’s hopes of a Socceroos debut are on hold after suffering an unspecified injury at Australia’s training camp in the USA.

The uncapped 28-year-old Poland-based striker was considered by many to be a shock selection in Australia’s squad for Saturday’s clash against Venezuela in Houston and next Wednesday’s battle with Colombia in New York.

However, Juric has departed the camp after being injured at training.

With a replacement not having been named by Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, the squad has been reduced to 25 players.

Popovic had earlier this week spoken of Sydney-born Juric’s “very good physical profile”.

“He’s scoring goals, assisting goals, and he’s in a team (Wisla Plock) that’s challenging for the title at the moment,” Popovic said.

“It’s maybe not a league that everyone sees regularly, so they’re not aware of how he’s playing, but he deserves his opportunity.”

However, Juric – the younger brother of former Socceroos striker Tomi Juric – must now wait longer for his chance, with the injury a setback in his bid to be selected in Australia’s squad for next year’s FIFA World Cup.

Also chasing World Cup selection is Adelaide United skipper Craig Goodwin, who is back in the squad after missing the Socceroos’ previous three camps

Goodwin, 33, has recovered from off-season foot surgery and has started the 2025-26 A-League campaign well for the Reds.

“I was always watching the camps eagerly, and with full motivation to get back in myself … (and) having that (World Cup) target,” the veteran attacker said.

“It’s about taking the opportunity, putting in good performances on the training track, on the pitch if it comes, and then getting back to Adelaide and performing week in, week out.

“I’m happy to be here, and ready to put in the hard work. It’s nice to be back in this environment.”