Socceroos: Valeri, Kewell in, Viduka out.

Australian Coach Pim Verbeek speaking from Holland this afternoon says, "Mark Viduka is out," of the Socceroos games in June. He is currently playing with an achilles injury and may need an operation at the end of the English season.

"(Mark) He said he has a contract (with his club) until 2010 and he wants to finish with the World Cup. Whenever I'm fit, I'm ready for the Socceroos if you need me. So that is good," said Verbeek

But Liverpool's Harry Kewell is fit and will play. "Harry is not a question mark. He's training hard and will be in camp for the Ghana game," said Verbeek.

Canberra's Carl Valeri will be released for all games, including the Ghana game, if his club Grosseto are safe from relegation. "Valeri is keen to come," said Verbeek


Verbeek met with many players over the last few weeks and is flying to Japan today to check on Joel Griffiths and Eddy Bosnar.

"We have a few weeks to go here in Europe, so far we have all our players ready, we have some questions with the fitness of some players. Nothing is finalised but we have our plans ready," said Verbeek.

The Ghana game is a good possibility to "give some experience to players and see how they cope with the big game experience."

Josh Kennedy is expected to be fit for the last two games of the Bundesliga.

Scott Chipperfield is injured currently.

Scott McDonald will be available for Iraq, but the Ghana game will depend on Celtic's end of season title chase.

Jason Culina is currently injured
And four players' partners are expecting babies in June. Lucas Neill, Jacob Burns, Mile Sterjovski, and Josh Kennedy will all miss one or more of the qualifiers to be at the birth of their child. Michael Essien is out. Chelsea making the Champions League final put an end to his participation in this months friendly.

You can hear Pim Verbeeks thoughts on players availability on the Nearpost next Tuesday.