Verbeek says he is unconcerned about the latest injury to befall his talisman who
is said to have picked up the injury over a month ago.

He damaged the abdominal muscle in a collision while playing for his Turkish club Galatasaray, which also injured his ankle and fractured his toe.

"Harry called me to tell me what is happening and that is all I can say at the moment," Verbeek said.

"He will come back to Australia and then I am waiting for the medical staff to tell me what is happening and how long he will be out."

The op has been scheduled to coincide with the Christmas break in the Turkish Superlig to give Kewell time to recover.

He has set his sights on returning for his club in mid January and is determined to play in Australia's next World Cup qualifier against Japan on February 11.