HARRY Kewell has been left out of the Australia squad for the World Cup qualifying opener against Qatar on Wednesday night.
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has confirmed Kewell will not be asked to fly back to Melbourne for the match, with Bristol City midfielder Nick Carle and German-based defender Michael Beauchamp also to be left in Europe.
Verbeek said all three players had made themselves available, but he felt they would not be needed.
"I have now had six days with the players in Melbourne and I have made the decision that those three players will not be required to travel to Australia," Verbeek said in a statement.
"Obviously, the three players are disappointed that I have not selected them, but I appreciate that they were available to come if I wanted them to."
Kewell did not play for club side Liverpool in their 3-0 Premier League win over Sunderland overnight.
The remainder of the European-based Socceroos Verbeek had selected in an initial 39-man squad, including Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, will be headed to Australia.
Cahill, who had been battling a hamstring injury, played a full game in Everton’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers.
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is set to play for his club Middlesbrough on Monday (EDT) before he heads to Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC defender Mark Milligan will also miss the Qatar match after breaking his nose during the Socceroos’ 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory in a training match on Saturday, while Newcastle Jets star Joel Griffiths is in doubt because of hamstring tightness.
Verbeek is expected to name his final 18-man squad for the match on Tuesday.
AAP
Source: Kewell left out of Roos squad
