Striker Juric is the most high-profile player in doubt for Australia's title defence.

Arnold has brought 41 players - including retiring legends Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill - into three camps during his tenure to date, casting the net wide before January's tournament.

And after a listless display against Lebanon, the math could be against Juric as he attempts to secure a spot in the 23-man squad.

Arnold must take three goalkeepers, and is likely to take eight defenders to provide cover for every place in the back line.

How Australia's squad is shaping up for the 2019 Asian Cup

Goalkeepers

The easiest position to assess; Mat Ryan is No.1, with Danny Vukovic back-up.

Arnold will take three goalkeepers, with Mitchell Langerak firming for the third spot.

On the plane: Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic

In the balance: One place. Mitchell Langerak or Brad Jones?

Defenders

Arnold seems happy with the FIFA World Cup back four, which looked tight as a duck's backside until the team's loss to Peru.

Milos Degenek has proved himself a worthy deputy, with Matt Jurman seemingly next in line.

Back-up right-back is unclear but Alex Gersbach looks a clear choice as Aziz Behich's deputy.

On the plane: Mark Milligan, Trent Sainsbury, Aziz Behich, Josh Risdon, Milos Degenek, Matt Jurman, Alex Gersbach

In the balance: One place. Rhyan Grant or Thomas Deng?

Midfield

Mile Jedinak's vacated World Cup place looks to have gone to Mustafa Amini, given his game time so far under Arnold.

Otherwise, it's continuity in the middle with four clear names from the past four years continuing on.

If Arnold wants to add another central midfielder, he's spoilt for choice. Kenneth Dougall has vacated his spot at the front of the line after an ankle injury.

On the plane: Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, Massimo Luongo, Jackson Irvine, Mustafa Amini

In the balance: Potentially one place. Jimmy Jeggo?

Wingers

Martin Boyle's lively showing against Lebanon surely was enough to take him to UAE, claiming the squad place left by Daniel Arzani after the teenager's heartbreaking ACL injury.

Awer Mabil is another Arnold favourite alongside regulars Mat Leckie and Robbie Kruse.

Does that leave room for another wide player?

On the plane: Mat Leckie, Robbie Kruse, Awer Mabil, Martin Boyle

In the balance: Potentially one place. Craig Goodwin or Dimi Petratos?

Strikers

Up front is where the crunch comes.

Arnold clearly rates Jamie Maclaren, and you'd back first-choice World Cup striker Andrew Nabbout to continue after his recuperation from a shoulder dislocation suffered in Russia.

Tomi Juric's fortunes in a Socceroos shirt have declined, with Apostolos Giannou also failing to lock down a place.

With six weeks before Arnold names his squad, it's all to play for up front.

On the plane: Jamie Maclaren, Andrew Nabbout

In the balance: Potentially one place. Tomi Juric, Apostolos Giannou or a bolter?