Injuries force trio to miss qualifier

Injuries to key players have disrupted Australia’s preparations for next Wednesday’s crucial 2010 World Cup qualifying game against China, being played in Kunming, China.

Injuries to key players have disrupted Australia-s preparations for next Wednesday-s crucial 2010 World Cup qualifying game against China, being played in Kunming, China.

Having confirmed Brett Emerton-s unavailability on Friday, coach Pim Verbeek must face the awkward tie without Tim Cahill, Mile Sterjovski and Josh Kennedy, who will not make trip. Nick Carle, Jacob Burns and Adam Federici, named in the original squad are also not included in the final squad that was released by Football Federation Australia today.

Both Cahill (recurring foot) and Sterjovski (groin) didn-t last till half time of their respective games on the weekend, with Cahill was replaced in the 12th minute, while Sterjovski was on the end of a bad tackle and was unable to return. Kennedy again missed his weekend-s game for Karlsruhe.

Verbeek has included 10 players from the squad that took on Singapore on Saturday night, including Hyundai A-League players Mark Bridge, Ante Covic, Bruce Djite, Adam Griffiths, Mile Jedinak, Jade North, Archie Thompson and Nikolai Topor-Stanley.

The final squad that will be in Kunming are: Michael Beauchamp, Mark Bresciano, Mark Bridge, David Carney, Ante Covic, Jason Culina, Bruce Djite, Vince Grella, Adam Griffiths, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Harry Kewell, Patrick Kisnorbo, Scott McDonald, Lucas Neill, Jade North, Mark Schwarzer, Archie Thompson, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire