Andrew Nabbout Socceroos

Andrew Nabbout's stunning recovery puts him back in Socceroos Asian Cup contention

He was meant to be sidelined until January, but Andrew Nabbout has smashed his expected recovery time to be included in Urawa Reds match day squad against Kashiwa Reysol on Sunday.

After dislocating his shoulder for a second time against Denmark at the World Cup, Nabbout was expected to be out for around six months after requiring surgery.

But as a player that's never been afraid of hard work, he's ultimately defied doctor's expectations and sealed a surprise return to the pitch. 

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While he didn't come off the bench in a 3-2 win for Urawa, the fact Nabbout is back in contention bodes well for the Socceroos ahead of the Asian Cup in January.

With new coach Graham Arnold currently hamstrung by a number of injuries in the final third, Nabbout's quicker than expected recovery gives the Socceroos another vital option up front in the months ahead.

Though unlikely to be called upon for a friendly against Kuwait, the former Newcastle Jets attacker could be looked at for games in November. 

Only given his international debut this year, the 25-year-old has taken quickly to the green and gold - scoring in his third game before starting Australia's first two group games in Russia.  

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