Viduka facing Achilles surgery

Newcastle striker set to miss Australia matches

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 1st May 2008

Mark Viduka Newcastle

Viduka: Achilles injury

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Newcastle striker Mark Viduka continues to be hampered by an Achilles injury and could require surgery at the end of the season.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek has admitted he expects to be without the Magpies forward for their four World Cup qualifiers in June.

The Socceroos face Iraq in Brisbane and Dubai on 1st June and 7th June respectively, Qatar in Doha on 14th June and China in Sydney on 22nd June.

Verbeek told reporters: "He is struggling with an Achilles problem.

"They (Newcastle) are thinking of rehab, having injections and maybe a small operation at the end of the season so I don't think he will be available.

"He was struggling and when we spoke he said he would see if he is better and we would find out if he would be available, but it is not going very well for him.

"It will be very difficult for him to be part of the group."

Positive

Viduka has been able to feature for the Magpies during their end of season surge away from possible relegation danger.

And he remains committed to helping his country qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa in 2010, but only when injury-free.

Verbeek added: "There is no doubt about it. He was very positive and said that if he was fit then he would be available."

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has recovered from a shoulder injury and is set to feature for Australia, alongside out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell.

But Blackburn defender Lucas Neill and Derby forward Mile Sterjovski could miss matches as their partners are due to give birth in June.