Australia midfielder Brett Emerton will miss Saturday's warm-up tie against USA due to injury concerns.
Midfielder rested due to injury concerns
Australia midfielder Brett Emerton will miss Saturday's warm-up tie against USA because of injury concerns.
The 31-year-old will sit out the match as a precaution, while Harry Kewell could play a substitute's role after a long recovery from a groin strain.
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek said he did not want to risk further injuries to his star players with just a week to go until the tournament is underway.
He said he hoped to have all 23 players fit and ready before 12th June when Australia play their first group game against Germany.
Nothing to hide
Defending his decision to rest the Blackburn midfielder, he said: "I am not concerned at all, I am just taking no risk for the player.
"He is too important for us, we have three tough games in qualification so I want him fit next week."
Meanwhile, the Socceroos could change training facilities having complained about the condition of their current pitch.
Verbeek said: "We are thinking, of course, about plan B and plan C but let's see first on Saturday how it looks."
