Reports in the north east of England suggest that the V-Bomber is expected to miss a chunk of pre-season but has a good chance of being available for the big kick-off itself.

The Socceroos striker missed Newcastle's final match of last season as he struggled with an achilles injury and it was feared he could be facing surgery and a lengthy lay off.

He has now had an injection in the problem area and club officials are hoping that will do the trick.

Viduka's next test comes early next month when he visits a specialist to see how the achilles has responded to the injection.

If the specialist is happy then the player is expected to be given the green light to resume light training before stepping it up ahead of the Premier League campaign.

Viduka has not been involved in Australia's Super June campaign but if his injury woes are behind him then Pim Verbeek will be hoping he can call on the striker's services for the next stage of World Cup qualification, should the Socceroos progress.