Aston Villa midfielder Mile Jedinak ruled out of Confederations Cup
Villa midfielder Mile Jedinak has been ruled out of Australia’s Confederations Cup campaign after aggravating a long-standing groin injury.
The 32-year-old missed several games during the second half of the Championship season due to the injury which flared up again in the Socceroos 3-2 friendly win over Saudi Arabia last week.
Jedinak has now taken the decision, along with the Australia coach Ange Postecoglu, to withdraw from the squad in order to properly recover.
"I'm disappointed to miss the Confederations Cup as it's something we have been looking forward to and working towards since we won the Asian Cup," said Jedinak.
"But we have some crucial games coming up over the next 12 months leading into the World Cup which I need to be fit and firing for."
"Losing Mile is a blow as he's not only an important member of the midfield, but a great leader amongst the group," Postecoglou added.
"He's had a tough period since Christmas with his groin and we all agree it's in the best long-term interests of Mile and the Socceroos that he has a break."
Jedinak made 34 appearances for Villa after joining in a £4million move from Crystal Palace last August and became a key player for boss Steve Bruce.
