The 32-year-old midfielder, who has the equal second most caps for Australia with 87 appearances, limped out of Blackburn's opening day 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton with hamstring tightness.

The injury had created fears Emerton would be unavailable for Australia's World Cup qualifiers against Thailand and Saudi Arabia on September 2 and 6 respectively.

However, Blackburn boss Kean told the club's website the injury would rule Emerton out of this weekend's clash with Aston Villa but said the Aussie would be back for the game against Everton on August 27.

"Brett felt his hamstring and it is probably going to be another three or four days, but he will be available for Everton," Kean said.

Australia's upcoming opponents, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, are ranked 119th and 92nd in the world respectively.