A new era for the Socceroos under coach Tony Popovic means there is also a chance for some new players to shine or come back from the cold.
One such player is Massimo Luongo, who found himself on the outer under previous coach Graham Arnold despite his achievements for the national side, and he announced his retirement from international retirement last year.
Popovic convinced him to return, however a cruel twist of fate means fans will need to wait to see the popular midfielder once again play in green and gold.
MORE: Socceroos World Cup qualifying schedule, results | Socceroos vs. China live blog
Why isn't Massimo Luongo playing for the Socceroos?
Whilst Massimo Luongo was initially named in Tony Popovic's first squad as coach, he was later forced to withdraw due to injury.
On October 6th, the Socceroos announced the 32-year-old had succumb to an ankle injury whilst with Premier League side Ipswich Town and would be forced to delay his eagerly anticipated return to the national side until at least the November international window.
He is not the only man to be a late withdrawal, as fellow midfielder Connor Metcalfe was also forced to drop out of the squad.
The pair were replaced by Patrick Yazbek and Luke Brattan.
Massimo Luongo stats for club, Socceroos
Massimo Luongo has been capped 45 times and scored 6 goals for the Socceroos since 2014, and was one of the most important players in the team during Ange Postecoglou's time in charge.
He played a key role in the 2015 Asian Cup win, scoring in the opening game as well as the first goal in the final, which the Socceroos won 2-1.
His form at that time saw him put on the longlist for the 2015 Ballon d'Or.
He has also made his Premier League debut for Ipswich Town this season, playing four times, including two starts against Liverpool and Man City.
Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifiers vs China and Japan
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Joe Gauci | Aston Villa (England) |
| Goalkeeper | Paul Izzo | Randers (Denmark) |
| Goalkeeper | Mat Ryan | Roma (Italy) |
| Defender | Aziz Behich | Melbourne City |
| Defender | Harry Souttar | Sheffield United (England) |
| Defender | Kye Rowles | Hearts (Scotland) |
| Defender | Jordy Bos | Westerloo (Belgium) |
| Defender | Cameron Burgess | Ipswich Town (England) |
| Defender | Lewis Miller | Hibernian (Scotland) |
| Defender | Thomas Deng | Albirex Niigata (Japan) |
| Defender | Gianni Stensness | Viking (Norway) |
| Defender | Jason Geria | Melbourne Victory |
| Midfielder | Jackson Irvine | St. Pauli (Germany) |
| Midfielder | Luke Brattan | Macarthur FC |
| Midfielder | Ajdin Hrustic | Salernitana (Italy) |
| Midfielder | Riley McGree | Middlesbrough (England) |
| Midfielder | Patrick Yazbek | Nashville SC (USA) |
| Midfielder | Keanu Baccus | Mansfield Town (England) |
| Midfielder | Aiden O'Neill | Standard Liege (Belgium) |
| Forward | Mitch Duke | Machida Zelvia (Japan) |
| Forward | Craig Goodwin | Al-Wehda (Saudi Arabia) |
| Forward | Daniel Arzani | Melbourne Victory |
| Forward | Sam Silvera | Portsmouth (England) |
| Forward | Nestory Irankunda | Bayern Munich (Germany) |
| Forward | Apostolos Stamatelopoulos | Motherwell (Scotland) |
| Forward | Nishan Velupillay | Melbourne Victory |
