The Socceroos will face a Cameroon side missing their biggest name, with Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo withdrawing from the squad overnight.
Australia will take on the African nation on Friday night in Sydney and Mbeumo was set to be the headline act for the visitors after being named to travel, however the Premier League giants revealed overnight that he had pulled out of the squad.
“Bryan Mbeumo has had to withdraw from Cameroon’s squad for friendlies against Australia and China, as a precaution, after being substituted in the 71st minute of Friday night’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth,” a statement on United’s site read.
Cameroon will take on the Socceroos and China in this window, with the 26-year-old’s withdrawal a big blow to coach David Pagou.
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Mbeumo has seven goals in 32 matches for his nation and has established himself as a Premier League star, having scored nine goals and provided three assists in the world’s top league this season.
The World No. 45 will still arrive in Australia with weapons, with several of their players currently plying their trade in Europe.
However, it is an inexperienced squad, with no player other than Mbeumo named in the initial squad boasting more than 15 caps for their country.
Defender Jackson Tchatchoua has 14 appearances and is on the books of Premier League side Wolves, while Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong has been impressive in LaLiga this term, featuring alongside Socceroos captain Maty Ryan.
19-year-old forward Christian Kofane plays his club football with Bayer Leverkusen and has had an electric start on the international stage, scoring three goals in his first five caps.
With Mbeumo absent, he is the only member of this squad with multiple international goals to his name as Cameroon undergo a rebuild, having missed out on qualification to this year’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
The Socceroos host Cameroon this Friday night at Accor Stadium in Sydney, before heading to Melbourne where they will host Curacao next Tuesday.