Rogic doubt for Socceroos WC qualifers

The Socceroos could be without Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic for their crucial World Cup qualifiers next month.

The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during Celtic’s midweek win over Hibernian and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou said: “It’s going to put him out for at least two to three weeks.”

Australia will play Saudi Arabia in Sydney – their first match on home soil for more than two years – on November 11, then travel to China for another qualifier on November 16.

Australia currently sit second in Group B behind the Saudis, on the road to Qatar 2022.

Rogic has started all four qualifiers played to date.

For Celtic Rogic will miss games against Livingston, Ferencvaros and Dundee.

Postecoglou added: “It’s not a major one but he definitely won’t be involved in these games. Then obviously we have the international window, and if everything goes to plan he should be available once we get back from that.”

After rejecting the chance to move to Qatar just over 12 months ago, Rogic has again become a central figure since his former Australia manager took over.

However, Postecoglou has been wary about relying too much on the 28-year-old, who had injury issues earlier in his Parkhead career.

Rogic has been an ever-present this season, starting 15 games and coming off the bench seven times.

Postecoglou said: “All injuries are frustrating but the flip side of that is Tommy has probably played more football in the first couple of months of the season than he has for quite a while. He was probably due a spell anyway.

“Him and Dave Turnbull in particular, because Cal (McGregor) had a bit of time out with injury, have been carrying the burden of the midfield.

“To be honest, even if he had come through I probably wouldn’t have played him (on Saturday) anyway.

“Hopefully, if nothing else, this freshens him up for another run at it.

“But he was outstanding, he has been all year, but in the first half against Hibs he was at the centre of all the good stuff we were doing.”