KEWELL OUT OF OLYMPICS

The 21-year-old has missed all of Leeds' pre-season campaign, as well as the Champions League qualifying round plus the start of the Premiership season through the injury, and has now had to admit defeat in his race against time to declare himself fit for his home Olympics.

The news was revealed by Australian coach Raul Blanco, who spoke to Kewell on Thursday before the talented star conceded that he will not be fit within the three weeks before the competition starts.

"The dream he had is no longer in existence," said Blanco. "It's a tough day for him. He wanted to do it so badly, he wanted to represent his country as a footballer in a tournament that he was dreaming about.

"The reality is that he cannot do it. Obviously he was very sad to announce this."

It is not expected that a situation will now ensue similar to that of last season, when a row between Leeds and Soccer Australia broke out over his pulling out of a match with Brazil, although Socceroos chairman Basil Scarsella admitted that the news was a big disappointment.

"He's a world class player," said Scarsella. "Him not being available is a big blow to Australia's Olympic hopes.

"However, I think it is unreasonable of us to be pointing the finger at Leeds. Let's keep in mind that they have already played in their domestic season and Harry hasn't played because of injury.

"There's no question in our minds that the injury is a genuine one."