The 31-year-old Galatasaray midfielder has barely had any game time in 2010 following the troublesome injury.

But 60 Minutes is set to reveal the reasons behind the delay in Kewell's return with cameras following the Socceroo star over the last three months.

Reporter Tara Brown told the Sydney Morning Herald what went wrong.

"The surgery wasn't the problem, but there was an issue with a couple of the stitches.

"As a result, the Turkish doctor from his team decided to use staples to fix the area - that's the way they do it for everyone there and the staples caused nerve damage to his leg, which was pretty serious," Brown explained.

"Everyone has speculated what was wrong with him, but those are the facts. Harry doesn't blame the doctors for what happened. It was a big setback. He couldn't walk around and it has been a hard climb back for him."

But she revealed Kewell was simulating match conditions as part of his recovery and would be fit for South Africa.

"He has been written off by a lot of people, but I have no doubt he will be back and playing in the World Cup," Brown said.

Only days ago, Socceroos boss Pim Verbeek said the selection of Kewell was a risk worth taking.

"''I've spoken about Harry Kewell and I'm willing to speak about Harry again. Harry is special, so you can always take a risk with one player like him, if Harry is fit then he can be a special player for the team, so I will take a risk with Harry,'' Verbeek said.

"Harry will be fit for the World Cup. People can think what they like, but Harry will be fit."

Earlier this month, Socceroos head doctor Peter Brukner said while he was hopeful, it was "too early to call".

"At this stage we think he'll be OK for the World Cup but it's probably a bit early to say," he said.

The story will air on Channel 9's 60 Minutes tonight.