Socceroos dealt major blow with injured Jackson Irvine out of World Cup qualifiers

Jackson Irvine's foot surgery has thrown a wrench into the Australian Socceroos' plans to qualify for next year's World Cup, as their coach Tony Popovic faces challenges managing key absences, including influential midfielder Harry Souttar and Japan's Jordan Bos. The injury adds pressure for the team aiming to overcome Japan and Saudi Arabia in crucial qualifiers while also leaving a void for St Pauli, who are nearing relegation in German football. Popovic will need to juggle an already demanding schedule, particularly struggling to retain faith in midfield players like Massimo Luongo, whose recent injuries have forced changes.