Verbeek announced his 22-strong squad this morning with Emerton facing up to nine months on the sidelines through injury.

As well as lamenting Emerton's absence the coach revealed that Harry Kewell could come into the squad if he gets through a game for Galatasaray this weekend - but he was by no means a certain addition to the party.

Verbeek said of Emerton: "Normally Brett is a starting player. We will miss him of course. First of all it's terrible for him and second for his club. Last but not least, also for us (Australia).

"Of course it's a loss. This is a bad injury. It's clear he will be out till next season. As far as I know Brett is coming back to Australia in a few weeks to get his operation over here and have part of his recovery here.

"So bad for him, bad for us."

Verbeek admits there is no Brett Emerton mark two in his squad but he is confident there is quality to compensate.

He said: "We don't have a second Brett Emerton available so we have to fill it in with other players with other qualities and that's what we're going to do. Don't ask me what I'm going to do yet because as always I will wait until after the weekend.

"I will have Plan A, B, C and D ready."

Scott Chipperfield's inclusion in the squad is something of a gamble but a member of Verbeek's staff is heading for Switzerland to assess the player's fitness situation this weekend.

Verbeek said: "I have him on the list, so we will see. I also have Harry Kewell on the standby list so his club has a letter in case we invite him.

"Harry has to play at the weekend (for Galatasaray) and then I can make up my mind."

Kewell looks the more unlikely inclusion at this point but with all the 'maybe' players there are flights booked and people are ready to jump on a plane if required.

Those on standby in addition to Kewell are James Troisi, Bruce Djite, Jacob Burns and back in from the international cold (perhaps) Nicky Carle.