Kewell overlooked for World Cup qualifiers
Reuters - Tuesday 23 August 2011, 03:53
SYDNEY - New Melbourne Victory signing
Harry Kewell was again overlooked by Australia coach Holger
Osieck when the Socceroos squad was named on Tuesday for their
World Cup qualifiers against Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
Osieck named a 23-man party for the match against the Thais
on September 2 in Brisbane and away to the Saudis four days later.
"From my point of view, it's the strongest group we have at
the moment," Osieck told reporters.
Kewell missed the friendly victory over Wales in Cardiff
earlier this month because of a lack of fitness having been
without a club since leaving Turkish side Galatasaray at the end
of last season.
Although he signed for Melbourne on Saturday, Kewell is not
anticipated to move to Australia until next month with Osieck
expecting the former Liverpool forward to rejoin the squad soon.
"He definitely is healthy but, to be psychically healthy and
match fit, it's always a gap," Osieck said.
"I cannot give you an update on his match fitness. I simply
know Victory will expect him early September to join team
training."
Australia, runners-up in the Asian Cup in January, must
finish in the top two of the group that also features Oman to
advance to the next stage.
Squad: Tim Cahill, Nathan Coe, Luke DeVere , Brett Emerton,
Adam Federici, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Josh Kennedy, Neil
Kilkenny, Robbie Kruse, Scott McDonald, Matt McKay, Mark
Milligan, Lucas Neill, Sasa Ognenovski, Adam Sarota, Mark
Schwarzer, Matthew Spiranovic, James Troisi, Carl Valeri, Luke
Wilkshire, Rhys Williams, Michael Zullo.