Gala boss Frank Rijkaard was reportedly given an update on Kewell's latest groin injury after he saw the Sydney-based physio yesterday afternoon.

And the medical report reassured him enough to dump disappointing 32-year old striker Shabani Nonda and hang on to 31-year old Kewell instead.

The Socceroo legend had been in the firing line after fears his injury would lead to an extended lay-off, despite Kewell's camp insisting he would only be out of action for five weeks.

With Kewell's contract set to expire in June and fears he would be recovering until April - missing most of the vital last half of the season - Rijkaard looked set to bring an early end to Harry's Turkish revival.

Kewell's career has been reborn since joining Gala in 2008, after leaving Liverpool under a cloud following an expensive, injury-plagued, five year stint at Anfield.

But at Gala, he's barely missed a game, scoring 27 goals from 64 appearances.

Galatasaray were forced to choose a player to sack after a transfer window spending spree - including signing Socceroo skipper Lucas Neill - saw them hire nine foreigners, one more than local league rules allow.

Leading candidates for the axe were the injured Kewell, Nonda and underperforming Argentinean goalkeeper, Leo Franco.

Rijkaard admitted he was concerned by Kewell's latest injury but yesterday promised to make a decision within 48 hours while he reportedly awaited the physio's report from Harry's medical in Sydney.

Meanwhile angry Galatasaray fans launched a furious campaign to persuade the club to hold onto Kewell, setting up the website staywithusharry.com.

The axe could have left injured Kewell stranded without a club or regular game time in the lead up to the World Cup, potentially jeopardising Australia's South Africa campaign.

But early this morning, Gala confirmed Congolese striker Nonda would be exiting the club immediately instead. A statement on the club's website thanked him for his service and added: "We wish him success in the future."

Kewell is expected to be back playing for Gala at the end of February, his personal manager Bernie Mandic told au.fourfourtwo.com.