McGree is not just another squad option. He has become a useful attacking piece for Tony Popovic, capable of starting from a wide position and drifting inside to add craft, energy and support around the forwards. For a national side that often relies on structure and work rate, that profile matters.
There is also recent tournament pedigree there. McGree was part of Australia’s 2022 World Cup campaign and has been trusted in big moments before. If he is unavailable or below full sharpness, Popovic could lose one of his cleaner links between midfield and attack.
The timing is the real problem.
That schedule leaves little room for a gradual recovery. Hamstring issues are especially tricky because they can look manageable at first, then worsen if a player is rushed back. Reports also suggest Nick D’Agostino has picked up a leg injury, which only adds to the uncertainty around attacking depth.
For now, everything depends on medical assessment. The report says McGree’s status should become clearer after examinations, and that will shape both the friendly plan and the final squad decisions. Popovic may still get positive news, but this is clearly a situation to monitor closely.
The next storyline is obvious: whether McGree can train in time to feature before June 14 - and whether Australia head into the opener against Turkey with one of their most important connectors fully fit.