The report says the expanded camp now stands at 31 players in Sarasota, with a final 26-man squad due by 1 June. That points to a clear theme.
That balance is usually the mark of a coach narrowing the field without closing off options. A bigger camp lets Tony Popovic keep specialists in place while also testing combinations before the tournament begins.
Even with cautious wording around his fitness, O'Neill stands out because he appears to have become an increasingly important midfield option in recent international windows. Australia have often looked strongest when their midfield can cover ground, protect transitions and move the ball quickly rather than slowly. If he is available, he strengthens that profile.
The key now is timing. An injured player can still be worth carrying into camp if there is confidence he can recover before the final cut.
The most interesting name in the update is Dylan Leonard, the uncapped teenager who is reportedly now in the frame after breaking through in Germany. A young defender capable of operating in midfield gives a squad flexibility, and that versatility is often prized in tournament football.
Australia are also reported to be heading into a group with Turkey, the United States and Paraguay, with the competition starting on 12 June. Between now and the final squad deadline, the biggest storyline is simple: who turns a training-camp chance into a plane ticket for opening night?