Graham Arnold warns Socceroos defender Harry Souttar amid club struggles and upcoming qualifiers

Graham Arnold, the Socceroos’ coach, has issued a warning to defender Harry Souttar regarding his spot on the national team roster. Souttar, who has been a key figure in Arnold’s defensive line, is gearing up to play in the upcoming qualifier against Lebanon this Thursday.

However, Arnold expressed concerns about Souttar’s limited playing time at Leicester in the English Championship. The 25-year-old has not completed a full 90 minutes since October, prompting Arnold to emphasize the need for Souttar to address this issue promptly.

Despite his struggles at Leicester, Souttar’s performance for Australia at the 2022 World Cup following an ACL injury earned him a move to the Foxes. Arnold highlighted Souttar’s significance to the team, noting his impressive goal-scoring record despite being a central defender.

Australia’s upcoming matches against Lebanon are crucial for securing a spot in the final round of play-offs for the 2026 World Cup. Despite Lebanon’s lower FIFA ranking, Arnold remains focused on maintaining the team’s current strategy rather than experimenting with new tactics.

Arnold emphasized the importance of simplicity and consistency in training sessions to avoid confusion and frustration among the players. With two wins against Lebanon, Australia can solidify their path to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

As Souttar looks to navigate his challenges at Leicester, Arnold’s guidance and support aim to help the defender regain his form and secure a successful future in the sport.