Johan Neeskens, Galatasaray's assistant coach, has suggested that Kewell will be struggling to be fit for the start of Australia's tournament against Germany on 13 June.

"Right now, I think it's going to be very difficult," Neeskens told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Stage by stage he got better but then he fell back again. He chose to stop practising and take treatment but sometimes after three or four days and he stops treatment and starts training again, it comes back again.

"I don't know if he really is to make the World Cup at this rate. First of all it's up to himself and the doctors in Australia. If he cannot participate, it's a big loss for Australia. If you miss a player like Kewell you are missing a lot. All his experience, he's played in all different countries, different clubs and his performance before injury was really good. For him it is a pity and also for Australia."