HARRY Kewell is in doubt for making the start of Australia's World Cup qualifiers on the road to Brazil 2014 after coach Holger Osieck revealed serious doubts over his fitness.
Both Kewell and Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill have been without a club since they were released by Galatasaray at the end of last season.
But while Neill is said to have been keeping himself in shape, Kewell's fitness regime has suffered in the off-season as he tours the world looking for a new deal, said Osieck.
Kewell has been dropped for next week's friendly agaoinst Wales after also failing to make the grade for the recent friendlies against Serbia and New Zealand.
"A slight difference between the two (Kewell and Neill) of them: one is fit, and one is not fit. So Lucas is fit, and he did a lot of work. He's in very good shape, and Harry isn't," Osieck said.
"He (Kewell) didn't take part in the two games in June because he was not really fit, and he had to undergo some kind of treatment.
"He didn't have full training in the meantime, so he's definitely not in a position to play right now."
Osieck added: "We all know what kind of value Harry brings to the team, we don't have to discuss it.
"I'm really hoping he will be in game shape for the qualifier (against Thailand in September)."
Meanwhile Osieck said he was hoping the Wales friendly in Cardiff would play into the striker's hands and he could get himself on the scoresheet for the first time in green and gold after a 24-game barren spell.
"I didn't invite him (McDonald) for the recent games starting in Germany, and at the end of the (Championship) season he had a couple of good moments, scored a couple of good goals," Osieck said.
"And I want to give him another chance, even logistically, because it's not a big travel for him so when he comes he should be in good shape and deliver to the team."
Osieck said he would never write off McDonald's chances of representing Australia should he fail to score in the Wales friendly or in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
"You can never make a final statement, in football there's always uncertainties, and what is good today may be bad tomorrow," he said.
"You should never make a final statement on a player. Today he may not perform well, but you may need him in the next game. I would never say it's his final chance."
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