Last Updated: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:09
Harry Kewell is facing yet another spell on the sidelines after suffering a groin problem, ruling him out of the Australia squad.
The former Leeds man has not started a first-team game since the 1-0 defeat at West Ham on January 30, with the latest comeback halted by another injury.
Kewell was expected to feature for Australia in their World Cup qualifier against China this week, but the winger suffered a groin problem in the friendly with Singapore and has been forced to withdraw.
Australia's medical staff were hopeful he would recover in time to face China, but he was unable to complete the final training session ahead of the Wednesday's match.