Socceroos Prepare for Türkiye: Mohamed Touré's Unexpected Absence
ALAMEDA, California — The Socceroos’ final days of preparation for Türkiye have taken an unexpected twist, and all eyes are now on Mohamed Touré.
On a cool Wednesday evening at the Oakland Roots and Soul facility, Tony Popovic rolled out his full 26-man squad for a sharp session in front of the cameras. Or almost his full squad. For the 15 minutes media were allowed to watch, one name was missing from every passing drill, every finishing exercise, every huddle.
Touré was nowhere to be seen.
The Norwich City forward had arrived with his teammates and lined up for the team photo before training began. Then, as the real work started, he disappeared from the pitch and did not return during the open portion of the session.
Jordan Bos, asked immediately afterward if he knew what had happened, could only shrug.
"No, I actually don't know," the defender admitted. "It was actually during training where I noticed he wasn't in there, so I don't know why he wasn't."
That uncertainty only fuelled the intrigue.
A Socceroos spokesperson later moved to steady the situation, confirming Touré is expected back on the training pitch on Thursday. The session will be held behind closed doors, and no explanation was offered for his absence on Wednesday.
So the questions remain, just days out from Australia’s opening Group D clash with Türkiye.
Touré’s status matters. A lot.
The 22-year-old has been widely tipped to spearhead the attack during this campaign, his form at Norwich City turning him into one of the headline acts of Popovic’s new-look side. Strong, explosive, direct — the kind of forward who can turn a tight game with a single run.
"He's a big asset for us, he's been doing really well, and his new club, he's scoring goals and his power -- everything about him -- is great," Bos said, underlining just how central Touré has become to the Socceroos’ plans.
Any hint that he could miss Saturday’s meeting with Türkiye would be a significant blow. If he is ruled out, the depth chart suddenly looks thin.
At that point, the spotlight swings to Tete Yengi.
The 25-year-old, who only made his international debut in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland in San Diego last Saturday, would be the only recognised fit striker in the squad. He made an immediate impact off the bench in that game, scoring Australia’s 56th-minute equaliser, and carries the frame and presence to occupy defenders. But leading the line from the start in a major group opener is a very different assignment.
Popovic does have alternatives, though none as natural a No. 9 as Touré.
Nestory Irankunda, electric on the wing against the Swiss and used centrally before by Popovic, offers raw pace and unpredictability if pushed into the middle. His movement can rip open defensive shapes, but it would be a bold call to anchor an entire attacking plan on a player still learning the international game.
Then there is the old reliable: Mathew Leckie.
The veteran has been nudged inside at various points throughout his career, trusted by multiple coaches to plug gaps wherever needed. Popovic himself highlighted that versatility when he named the squad, describing Leckie as a luxury player who can slot into almost any role with minimal preparation. Show him a video, the coach said, and he’ll understand exactly what’s required.
If Popovic decides against starting Yengi, Leckie may well become the most likely option to operate through the middle, offering experience, pressing intelligence and a calm head in a high-stakes opener.
For now, though, everything circles back to Touré.
He was there for the photo. He was gone for the football. The team insists he will be back on Thursday, away from public view, as the countdown to Türkiye tightens.
Australia’s attacking blueprint for this tournament may be decided in that closed session.
