Socceroos Blow as Mohamed Toure Set For Long Stint on the Sidelines

Photo: Getty Images

The Socceroos have suffered a major blow ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, with in-form striker Mohamed Toure set to undergo shoulder surgery and face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Norwich City manager Philippe Clement confirmed Toure will be out for “months” after the Australian suffered the injury during Norwich’s 4-3 Championship defeat to Bolton Wanderers on September 20.

“It’s a bad one,” Clement said. “Mo Toure will be out for months and he will need surgery.”

The injury came at the worst possible time for the 22-year-old, who had made a blistering start to the new Championship season.

Toure scored Norwich’s opening goal after just five minutes against Bolton, before being forced from the field only 10 minutes later following a collision with Bolton defender Ben Davies.

Norwich’s official match report confirmed Toure was forced off with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.

The forward had already established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the Championship.

Since making his Norwich debut in February, Toure has scored 16 goals and provided four assists in 21 appearances across all competitions.

His form had also put him firmly into Tony Popovic’s plans with the Socceroos. Toure was originally selected for Australia’s September international window, which includes two high-profile meetings with five-time world champions Brazil.

However, his injury forced him to withdraw from the squad, with former Melbourne Victory forward Nishan Velupillay called up as his replacement.

The immediate consequence is that Toure will miss Australia’s two matches against Brazil, but the bigger concern is what the injury means for January.

Australia are preparing for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, where they have been drawn alongside Iraq, Singapore and Tajikistan.

Toure’s recovery timeline means his availability for the tournament is now uncertain.

The Asian Cup begins in January, giving the striker several months to recover, but shoulder surgery followed by rehabilitation leaves little room for setbacks. For Popovic, the timing is particularly frustrating.

Toure was coming off a period of outstanding club form and had given Australia another option at centre-forward after making his World Cup debut earlier this year.

He has scored twice for the Socceroos in 12 appearances, with both goals coming against New Zealand in September 2025.

His international numbers have not yet matched his club output, but his rapid development at Norwich had made him one of the most intriguing attacking prospects in the Australian squad.

Toure’s absence also creates an opportunity for Popovic to test alternative options.

Velupillay has already been brought into the squad for the Brazil series, while Nestory Irankunda, Tete Yengi, Eli Adams and Marcus Younis are among the other attacking options available to the Socceroos.

Australia’s matches against Brazil therefore take on another layer of importance. With Toure unavailable, Popovic will have the chance to assess how his other forwards perform against elite opposition potentially giving them an opportunity to strengthen their claims for the Asian Cup squad.

For Norwich, however, the immediate problem is even more significant. The Canaries have started the Championship season inconsistently and currently sit 17th after eight league matches, having won three and lost five.

Toure had emerged as one of the brightest attacking players in the squad, making his extended absence a significant setback for Clement's side.

The striker now faces a period of rehabilitation before he can return to competitive football.

For both Norwich and Australia, the hope will be that the surgery goes smoothly and Toure can return in time to have a role in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup campaign.

But for now, one of Australia’s most exciting attacking players is facing an uncertain road back.