Leicester City will have to cope without a crucial defender for the next six weeks, as the centre-back has been confirmed as part of Australia’s Asian Cup squad.
The Socceroos unveiled their 26-man roster for the tournament in Qatar, and Harry Souttar’s presence came as no surprise. The towering defender has been a mainstay for his country since his debut in 2019, having featured in 12 of their last 13 matches.
While the tournament commences on Friday, January 12, Australia will convene for their pre-tournament camp on New Year’s Day. Consequently, Souttar has just three more matches with City before he embarks on his international duties. His absence could stretch to the entire six-week duration.
Australia, set to face India, Syria, and Uzbekistan in their group matches, are considered among the top contenders to clinch the title, alongside teams such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and hosts Qatar. With aspirations of reaching the final scheduled for Saturday, February 10, a prolonged run in the tournament might see Souttar miss up to eight games.
In the event of Australia’s extended campaign, Souttar could find himself absent from six or seven Championship fixtures, commencing with the New Year’s Day encounter against Huddersfield. This would also encompass clashes against Coventry, Ipswich, Swansea, Stoke, Watford, and Sheffield Wednesday. The latter match, occurring shortly after the tournament, may present a challenge for Souttar’s swift reintegration. Additionally, the FA Cup third-round showdown with Millwall and a potential fourth-round game, if City advances, could further complicate matters, potentially leading to the postponement of the Swansea league game.
Despite featuring in just three games for City this season and facing limited opportunities under Enzo Maresca, Souttar’s absence will necessitate the squad to adapt. Maresca has hinted at retaining academy graduate Ben Nelson rather than sending him out on loan, ensuring that the club maintains its defensive depth.
The impending tournament could thwart Souttar’s potential departure as well. Despite nearly departing for Rangers in the summer transfer window, his intermittent game-time had hinted at the possibility of seeking a move in January. However, he has expressed his commitment to stay and compete for his place within the squad.
