The 17-year-old, who plays with West Ham, was diagnosed with the illness during the Under-17 World Cup last June but will need to have more treatment at London's St Bartholomew's hospital.

"I just want to thank everyone who has been supporting me," said Tombides through a statement on the West Ham website.

 "There have been so many people and it is hard to keep up with all the messages but it really has meant a lot. The club (West Ham) have been great.

"They have just been treating me normally but obviously they all ask me how I am getting on."

Tombides was on the cusp of making his debut with the Championship side when he was initially diagnosed with the cancer five months ago.

He's the second well known Australian footballer to suffer the illness after former Socceroos defender Craig Moore also underwent treatment.

Football Federation Australian chief executive Ben Buckley sent the youngster his best wishes.

"The thoughts and best wishes of the Australian football community are with Dylan Tombides and his family at this difficult time," said Buckley.

"I can only imagine Dylan’s enormous frustration at missing competitive football while he deals with the health issue, but he should know there's a green and gold shirt waiting for him.

"Dylan is an outstanding young player who showed his undoubted pedigree at the FIFA Under 17 World Cup this year. He was our best player in the tournament and we all want to see him back on a football pitch as soon as possible."