Harry Kewell may miss a host of Australian internationals as he is still struggling with injury.
Harry Kewell may miss a host of internationals for Australia as he is still struggling with injury.Kewell's manager Bernie Mandic told Australian television that the Liverpool winger is still struggling with ankle and groin injuries.
Mandic says that Kewell has been told he needs to rest the problem or risk being forced to have a hernia operation next summer.
"Realistically he should have a good rest," Mandic told SBS.
"The physios have advised him to take a good eight to 10 weeks off. I would say you would be fortunate to see him twice in Australia."
Frank Farina's SocceRoos play in February and March next year but Kewell now seems unlikely to figure.
Australia play in the Confederations Cup next June and are also trying to qualify for the World Cup in Germany in 2006.
Kewell is desperate to play for his country in both tournaments but Mandic says that only a break from internationals now would make that possible.
"God forbid, if he has to have an operation in the off-season then obviously the Confederations Cup is out of the picture," said Mandic.
"That is the one he definitely wants to be part of and believes every player should be part of that.
"He views the Confederations Cup as critically important for preparations to the World Cup and he really would love to be part of that.
"That for him is the priority next to the play-off match versus [a team from] South America."
