Injuries have hit the Aussie squad hard in recent days. Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer suffered a broken cheekbone in the FA semifinal game between Middlesborough and West Ham following a collision with Dean Ashton.
Harry Kewell aggravated an old groin problem in Liverpool’s FA semifinal with Chelsea and had to limp off. Tim Cahill, Everton striker twisted his knee in a match against Birmingham City. Mark Viduka, Middlesborough and captain of the Socceroos did not start against West Ham because of a thigh problem.
Mark Schwarzer is the most serious of the lot, as it takes at least 4 weeks for a facial fracture to heal. The long EPL season has taken its toll on many players and is coming to a close, giving time to heal, mercifully for the first squads of many teams.