Hiddink waits on Kewell

now it's another 5 weeks.. "It's not very long but if he retains the rhythm of this week in his preparation and his treatment, and also training, then five weeks should be sufficient for him.

"Maybe not for him to play a full game but at least part of the game."

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Hiddink waits on Kewell Mon 10 Oct, 9:07 AM

Australia coach Guus Hiddink hopes Liverpool winger Harry Kewell can recover his fitness in time to play a part in the Socceroos' World Cup play-off next month.

Kewell, who recently underwent surgery on a groin injury, continued on the road to recovery by spending last week with the Australia squad at a training camp in Holland.

Hiddink had a view to stepping up Kewell's rehabilitation by giving him a substitute appearance in yesterday's friendly with Jamaica but felt the 27-year-old was not quite ready for a long-awaited return to action.

Kewell therefore watched from the sidelines at Craven Cottage as Australia enjoyed a comprehensive 5-0 victory, and now the race is on for Kewell to prove his fitness before the first leg of the play-off on 12 November. "Harry was working very well this week and I think, for him, it's very important," said Hiddink.

"We will help him, and so too will his club, to make him a good programme so that he can improve his physical fitness and then will be ready for Australia and also for Liverpool in a few weeks - that's what I hope.

"It's not very long but if he retains the rhythm of this week in his preparation and his treatment, and also training, then five weeks should be sufficient for him.

"Maybe not for him to play a full game but at least part of the game."

Despite warming up for their crucial World Cup encounters with a comfortable victory, Hiddink feels the return of Kewell and some of Australia's other senior players could be vital if they are to overcome South America's fifth-placed team and clinch their first World Cup appearance in 32 years.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has almost recovered from a shoulder injury while regular captain Craig Moore is yet to make his Newcastle debut due to a hamstring problem.

But Hiddink has said he would prefer to see Kewell, who has not played since being forced off in the first half of the Champions League final, make a return at Anfield before being able to count him in for the World Cup showdown.

"What I'm concerned about is that some players are not playing frequently," added the Dutch coach.

"There are some injured players, but I hope to have them for a few days so that they can practice and for them to be playing games because that's essential, to have the game fitness, the game rhythm that's lacking in some players.

"That's my worry, that I cannot go to the line-up which I think is appropriate to play against an opponent who is much, much stronger than the Jamaican team."

Hiddink has also hinted he may save certain players, which could include Kewell, for the return leg on 16 November.