The match in Kuwait on January 6 is not a FIFA-sanctioned date, meaning clubs are not required to release players for international duty.

Verbeek has picked three Turkey-based players in his 23-man squad but opted against butting heads with Galatasaray over Kewell's services despite the Turkish league being in recess.

National team mainstays Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Vince Grella and Brett Emerton will also be missing.

The remainder of his squad comprises A-League players or players who will be on a break from European competitions.

"Players like Harry, they play so many games," Verbeek explained after announcing his squad. "They play Champions League, European League, cup games ... it's better for those players not to be with us.

"Because it's not an official FIFA date we have to request (releases for players).

"It's much better for us to let Harry have a small break and then be ready for the second half of the season and the World Cup.

"That's a decision I make. I can call everybody but I already know the answer."

"It's a waste of time and energy to call Galatasaray and say 'I have an interesting game against Kuwait' and they say 'okay, that's very nice for you but we have some interesting games coming up ourselves'.

"Harry plays enough games."

Verbeek did sound out Japan-based striker Josh Kennedy but took his enquiries no further after finding a tired and weary body on the other end of the line.

"Josh had no break at all in (northern) summertime. Immediately after the games he played (for Australia) in June he went straight into (the season in) Japan," said Verbeek.

"He struggled a few weeks with a back injury but he's playing at the moment and scored three goals the last time. But to take him from there ... enough is enough for Josh. I spoke to him last week and the end of the road is there for him.

"He is desperate to get a break and he will have a break after January 1."

Verbeek craves victory over Kuwait to secure a spot at the 2011 Asian Cup qualifier and render the final qualifier against Indonesia in March meaningless.

He will be relying heavily on Australia's domestic legion to get the job done after they failed him in going down 1-0 to the Kuwaitis in March.

Only five players from that squad survive, with Sydney FC striker Alex Brosque, Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, exciting Brisbane winger Tommy Oar and veteran defender Simon Colosimo among the new faces.

Brosque said: "There's a lot of quality in this squad and the guys that are going will definitely be able to handle themselves and they're there for that reason. The boys will be more than ready for it."

Vukovic is one of three keepers, alongside Perth's Tando Velaphi and Adelaide's Eugene Galekovic.

"I'm looking forward to the battle. There are two good goalkeepers coming away with me," he said. "From what Pim said, it's up to us to prove to the coaching staff that we're capable of doing a job for the team.

"I'm looking forward to showing Pim what I can do."

Verbeek refused to speculate on the World Cup chances of several players from inside and outside the squad, pointing out he still has several months to formulate his line-up for South Africa 2010.