Australian coach Holger Osieck has told Kennedy that his services aren’t required this week as the giant striker bids to maintain fitness and form in his club side, Nagoya Grampus', charge to the J-League title.

Kennedy is said to have back soreness while Kewell has also been told to focus on club commitments, in his case for Galatasaray in Turkey, as he battles his seemingly endless fitness concerns.

McDonald, who was a shock omission from the World Cup squad under former boss Pim Verbeek, is now the front runner to assume the striking role alongside Tim Cahill.

The Middlesbrough marksman is looking to open his account in international football having played 19 matches for the Socceroos without scoring.

Hull City's Richard Garcia is the other option for Osieck.

The other concern for the coach in his final match before he selects his Asian Cup squad is who partners Lucas Neill in the centre of defence. Sasa Ognenovski is in line for his long-awaited debut, but Osieck has said he has as many as four options.