Mooy, who plays for Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port, and Celtic star Rogic have not been selected for the games to be played in Kuwait next month, when the Socceroos complete their commitments in Group B.

A minor ankle injury has sidelined Rogic while Mooy’s requirement to complete two weeks’ quarantine upon his return to China PR saw the former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder request not to be included.

Syria currently lead the way with a hugely impressive five wins from five and they start as clear favourites to progress to the third round of qualifying, while the pressure is on hosts China PR who sit eight points back, level with the Philippines.

The Maldives still have aspirations of a top-two finish and Guam are seeking their first points of the campaign. Ahead of the opening game between China and Guam on Sunday, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at Group A.

It has been 18 long months since a ball was kicked in Group B – featuring, Australia, Kuwait, Jordan, Nepal and Chinese Taipei – and with a wait like that, one could be forgiven for needing a refresher course before the action resumes.

But fear not, the-AFC.com is here to bring you all need to know about the finely poised group, including a run-down on the venues and how the teams currently stand, plus we pick out a key man from each of the five sides.

Group C is among the most intriguing in the competition, with Iraq leading the way from Bahrain and five-time FIFA World Cup qualifiers the Islamic Republic of Iran sitting in third, with a crucial game in hand over the teams above them.

Here, the-AFC.com looks at the situation in the group as the five teams prepare to lock horns and pick out a key player to watch from each of the teams.

With the group having passed the halfway point, Saudi Arabia hold the advantage at the top going into the three-week run-in on home soil, Uzbekistan and Singapore remain within touching distance of the hosts while Palestine are bottom and practically out of contention.

Victory over Antoine Hey’s side will take the Japanese into the next round by guaranteeing their status as Group F winners with two games remaining and maintain their perfect record in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

Japan have won their first five games in the Asian Qualifiers and a win on Friday would also secure Moriyasu’s side a berth at the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

The 20-year-old Spain-based attacking midfielder has instead been called up for two friendly matches to be played by the country’s Olympic team as they prepare for the Finals of the Tokyo Games this summer.

Korea Republic will also face Ghana in a pair of friendlies, which will be held on June 12 and June 15.