Once again injuries have plagued Ange Postecoglou's squad selection with the Socceroos coach's need for depth opening the door to several new or fringe players to cement their spot.

A-League young guns Tomi Juric and Terry Antonis got their first call-ups as part of Postecoglou's 20-man squad on Wednesday for next month's friendlies against Belgium and Saudi Arabia which will serve as crucial preparation for next year's Asian Cup.

“From our perspective these games are a chance to expose some young players to international football and hopefully create some depth in areas we’re light on": Ange Postecoglou. Credit:Getty Images

Antonis and Juric join uncapped quartet Brad Smith, Chris Herd, Trent Sainsbury and Bailey Wright in a squad which varies markedly from that which Postecoglou took to the World Cup in Brazil earlier this year.

Star forward Robbie Kruse is back in the fold after recovering from a serious knee injury, but the likes of defenders Rhys Williams (knee), Curtis Good (hip flexor), Ivan Franjic (knee) and Matthew Spiranovic (ankle), playmaker Tom Rogic (groin), midfielder Matt McKay (ankle) and striker Adam Taggart (ankle) have all been sidelined.