Queensland Roar captain Craig Moore has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier in Bahrain next week after undergoing surgery in Brisbane on Tuesday.
Thirty-two-year-old Moore was diagnosed with the condition last Thursday but has been buoyed by the positive outlook from his treating urologist.
The news has come as a shock to the Australian team and to coach Pim Verbeek who had selected the Queensland Roar defender for the qualifier in Manama following his return to international duty on October 15 against Qatar after an eight-month retirement from the Socceroos.
“It’s always a shock to hear of a diagnosis like this but I am encouraged by the prognosis from the medical practitioner,” Verbeek said.
“I speak for the entire team in wishing him a speedy recovery.”
Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, added that the entire football family would wish Craig all the best.
“As Pim said, we are encouraged by the advice from the medical practitioner.
“I am sure that, with Craig’s legendary toughness, as well as the best of medical care, his age and his general level of health and fitness that Craig will respond well to treatment,” Buckley said.
Moore is one of three changes to the 24-man squad for the crucial qualifier with Vince Grella and Matthew Spiranovic also set to miss the match.
Grella sustained a hamstring injury in his match for Blackburn Rovers last weekend while Spiranovic suffered an ankle injury at his Club’s training yesterday.
Newcastle Jets pair of Jade North and Mark Milligan, plus Central Coast Mariners Mile Jedinak have come in to replace the trio.
North and Milligan will be the first of the Socceroos squad to arrive in Bahrain on Saturday.
