Source: Northern_Echo
Boro ace may miss World Cup
MIDDLESBROUGH'S Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones may miss the World Cup after being granted leave because of a family illness.[LNB] The Australian federation (FFA) released a statement yesterday confirming Jones has returned to Perth on Saturday to be with his family.[LNB] It is not known whether the Boro keeper will return to the squad but the FFA have revealed they are in discussions with FIFA over the possibility of calling up a replacement if needs be.[LNB] The statement read: Jones left South Africa yesterday to be with his immediate family and it is unclear at this stage whether he will return and participate in the tournament.[LNB] Football Federation Australia (FFA) has applied to FIFA for the ability to replace Jones in the Socceroos squad if necessary due to special circumstances' and is awaiting written approval.[LNB] FFA requests that Jones' and his family's privacy are respected during this difficult time.'' Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic has remained with the team despite missing out on the final 23- man squad.[LNB] Jones' departure is unlikely to effect Pim Verbeek's preparations for the opening game against Germany on June 13, as former Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer has fully recovered from a thumb injury.[LNB] Jones could become the third of Boro's Australian contingent player to miss out on the World Cup. Rhys Williams did not make the squad due to injury while Scott McDonald made the provisional squad but not the final 23.[LNB]
