Australia received a warm welcome from the Russians and it was a sea of green and gold as the Socceroos hosted an open training session.

But missing from the 23-man squad were key players Trent Sainsbury, Tom Rogic, Andrew Nabbout and Tomi Juric.

Sainsbury is one of the most crucial Socceroos in the squad, with a heavy reliance at centre-back as well as the prospect of becoming the Aussie captain.
 
A spokesperson for Football Federation Australia said all four stayed behind in the accommodation to do recovery programs due to general soreness from the match against Hungary.
 
The Socceroos defeated Hungary 2-1 in an World Cup warm-up on Sunday.
 

There has been plenty of external noise about Nabbout becoming Australia’s main striker at this World Cup after being fielded in four friendly games before jetting off to Russia.

Australia lacks depth up front with Juric’s knee problem leading to Jamie Maclaren’s recall. Coach Bert van Marwijk. said the 26-year-old is being monitored by the Socceroos’ medical staff.
 
As for Rogic, the attacking midfielder is coming off a stellar season with Celtic and was key to Australia’s road to Russia.