SOCCEROOS midfielder Vince Grella has been ruled out of Australia's crucial World Cup qualifying match against Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
Grella injured his calf in training and was unable to take part in Australia's 2-1 victory over Holland on Sunday morning.
Coach Pim Verbeek said that while Grella's prognosis is 'good' it is in Grella's best interests, as well as his club and Australia's, not to travel across Europe and return for a match in which he will not be ready to play.
Grella will return to his English Premier League club, Blackburn, for continuing treatment.
Carl Valeri is expected to be promoted to the starting lineup in place of Grella for the match against Uzbekistan - who suffered a shock 3-0 loss to Qatar in their opening fixture
Coach Pim Verbeek said that while Grella's prognosis is 'good' it is in Grella's best interests, as well as his club and Australia's, not to travel across Europe and return for a match in which he will not be ready to play.
Grella will return to his English Premier League club, Blackburn, for continuing treatment.
Carl Valeri is expected to be promoted to the starting lineup in place of Grella for the match against Uzbekistan - who suffered a shock 3-0 loss to Qatar in their opening fixture
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