“Losing a player of Bruce’s quality is a blow for sure but the luxury of this Olyroos squad is its depth built up over the last 12 months,” said coach Arnold today.

“It’s a very fit and mobile side and we’ve got some great options on the bench. We’ve got a lot of depth in this squad and one that I have a lot of belief in.”

Australia are second in their group behind Iraq on goal difference despite thumping Lebanon 3-0 at home on the Central Coast last month.

But Arnold warned fans not to expect a goal bonanza when the two sides clash again on enemy territory this week.

He’s named an attacking 4-3-3 line-up for the match as the side go for goals, but admits he’d be happy with just a 1-0 win.

“We’re not going into the game thinking we can get six because Lebanon will be a totally different team at home,” he said.

“It’s a game that they have to win to stay in contention to qualify so it will be a very difficult game and I’ll be happy with a 1-0 result.”

He added: “You can’t worry too much about goal difference. What we’ve got to do is go out and get the results that we need. Goal difference won’t come into account if we win our next three games.

“Iraq have a difficult game away to North Korea - and all we can do is worry about what we can control, and that is the Lebanon game tomorrow night.”

The squad has been in a training camp in Abu Dhabi for eight days as they acclimatise to the Middle Eastern heat to prepare for the punishing temperatures in Lebanon.

“The boys have trained extremely well,” said Arnold. “The facilities have been fantastic. They’ve looked after us great and we’ve trained well.

“We’ve adapted hopefully to the conditions – it’s been quite warm still and everyone is fit. Here in Abu Dhabi it’s been about 35 every day and humidity has been up.

“But the conditions in Lebanon are about 8 degrees cooler and humidity is about 40/50 percent so it should be a bit cooler for us.”

Arnold already has his team mapped out for the match, with an aggressive attack lined up.

“It’ll be a back four of Zadkovich, Milligan, Leijer and Topor-Stanley, Musialik, Ward and Nathan Burns just in behind Mark Bridge, Troisi and Kristian Sarkies,” he revealed.

“When we’ve got the ball, we’ve got three upfront, when we don’t, we’ve got five in midfield.

“At home I played with a back three and this time I’m going with a back four so it’s a bit more cautious with one extra defender in there.”

He added: “Defending starts from the front and that’s what we’ve worked on this week, making sure that we track.

“The only difference is that we’ve got Nathan Burns at the top of the diamond with two working midfielders behind him so if anything it’s a more balanced side than what I had in the Central Coast.”

Arnold has been keen to ensure the side doesn’t get complacent after last month’s convincing win.

“We’ve concentrated on that and if anything I’ve been a little bit angry with them this week to make sure there is no complacency or getting ahead of themselves,” he said.

“It is just one game at a time and this game is a tricky game away from home and they’ve trained extremely well. They’re focussed and all we’re worried about is Lebanon.

“We played them five weeks ago and I know they are a totally different kettle of fish at home compared with away.

"We are in Asia and there are no easy games at all," he added. "This is going to be a difficult game for us tomorrow night as well.”