Australia boss Verbeek told the Melbourne Victory striker his services aren't needed for this weekend's match against China.

Thompson, who attended the two-week tour of the Middle East as part of the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and Qatar, has been told he needs to regain full fitness. He has returned to Melbourne and is not expected to be present when the players re-gather in Sydney on Thursday.

The match against China will give many of the Socceroos fringe players a chance to impress Verbeek, with Australia already through to the second round of qualifying.

It was thought Thompson would be given his chance having spent much of the past three months recovering from a knee injury suffered in Australia's match against China in Kunming in March. He has played just 60 minutes of club football since his return and while he impressed in his two weeks in the Socceroos camp, Verbeek does not want to risk him.

It should be better news for team-mate Rody Vargas, who could be set to slot into the Socceroos defence on Sunday at ANZ Stadium. Vargas was close to selection for the match against Iraq in Brisbane in June, but Jade North got the nod ahead of him.

Verbeek has released Vince Grella, Scott McDonald, Brett Emerton, Mark Bresciano, Mark Schwarzer, David Carney and Luke Wilkshire, while Lucas Neill will remain in England.