Degenek, 22, broke into Australia’s starting XI at right-back in last month’s qualifier against Iraq and has played in four of the Socceroos past five games.

The defender/midfielder had been selected in Australia’s squad to face Saudi Arabia and Japan this week, but was ruled out last weekend after suffering the knee injury.

Degenek tore ligaments in his left knee when he went up for a header and landed awkwardly after contact from an opponent in mid-air when playing for 1860 Munich in the German 2.Bundesliga.

Socceroo physio Les Gelis and 1860 medical staff diagnosed Degenek would miss eight weeks with the injury.

“It’s a bit difficult to be honest,” Degenek told FourFourTwo.

“It’s a massive setback to me. It’s been a bit of a down time. It hasn’t been easy.

“What can you do, you get a lot of those setbacks in football. I can’t rewind time.”

Croatia-born Degenek, who grew up in Sydney, is passionate about the Socceroos and is still hoping to be fit to face Thailand away on November 15 despite the diagnosis.

“Everyone plays to play for their national team,” he said.

“You can’t do much more. We all want to be part of that and want to be successful.”

Degenek has worn a knee brace for the past week and wants to commence training on a bike and aqua-jogging this week.

“It’s getting better,” Degenek said.

“I have a bit of pain and still can’t do much, but I’m hoping within the next week to start doing a bit of training.

“I’m hoping I’ll recover a bit quicker than they expect, hopefully in time for the next camp.

“They’ve said eight weeks. So there’s six weeks left meaning there’s no chance to make that camp but I’m hoping to be back a bit quicker.”