A lot can change in 12 months, just ask Stoke City center-back Harry Souttar. Just one year ago last November, Souttar suffered one of the biggest blows of his career when he tore his ACL while on international duty for Australia.
Fast forward 12 months and Souttar has not only returned to club action with Stoke City, but is also ready to represent Australia in the World Cup. Souttar, who recently returned to first team action, playing in one match against Luton Town, will at least for the next couple of weeks be suiting up for Australia in Qatar.
Australia heads into the tournament sitting in Group D —Which will be anything but a walk in the park. Australia’s group won’t be an easy one as the squad has to take on the likes of Tunisia, Denmark, and defending World Cup champions France.
Australia’s first match of the tournament comes against France on Tuesday. That’ll be followed up by a matchup with Tunisia next Saturday. Finally, Australia will wrap up group stage action when the national team takes on Denmark on November 30th
Win or lose, advance or don’t advance over the next couple of weeks for Australia though, Souttar’s journey back from injury will be completed. And for The Potters sake, Souttar over the next couple of weeks will be given even more match action to be back in shape.
Plus, this type of international experience at the World Cup will surely go a long way for Souttar’s career long term. The 2022 World Cup will be the first time Souttar has competed on the world’s biggest stage of a World Cup.