Australia head coach Tony Popovic has named an under-strength squad for upcoming friendlies in Qatar and Jordan, citing security concerns as a factor in the selection.
The squad announcement comes ahead of the team's Middle East tour, with several regular players omitted from the roster. The friendlies are scheduled to take place in Qatar and Jordan, though exact dates were not specified in the initial announcement.
Popovic, who took charge of the national team earlier this year, said the decision was made to prioritize player safety amid ongoing regional tensions. The Australian football federation has not released further details on the specific security assessments.
