Kewell Ruled Out Of Confederations Cup

Qantas Socceroo Harry Kewell has today been officially ruled out of the Confederations Cup tournament after undergoing surgery to repair a torn groin muscle, suffered in Liverpool's thrilling win over AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League final last week.

Qantas Socceroo Harry Kewell has today been officially ruled out of the Confederations Cup tournament after undergoing surgery to repair a torn groin muscle, suffered in Liverpool's thrilling win over AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League final last week.   Australian team physio Les Gelis visited Kewell in Liverpool today to check on his progress.   "The surgery has been a success," said Gelis who is based in London as part of Football Federation Australia's commitment to monitor and treat injuries of national team players   "People have underestimated how hard Harry worked just to be in a position to be able to play but it was just a matter of time until the tendon snapped."   "There was no way he could have played on.  It's a problem that has been around for a year and the groin just kept getting tighter and tighter and then it had enough and snapped.  He's had the surgery on Friday and it went well so now there is a six week rehabilitation program to implement."   "Harry needs to take the next couple of weeks off for rest and then it is a process of gradual strengthening and intensive physio.  He should be able to join his Liverpool teammates for pre-season training in about six weeks time."   Kewell was already ruled out of the Socceroos Powerade Series match against New Zealand at Fulham's Craven Cottage on June 9 due to the injury but Gelis is confident that he will return to full fitness.   "With the surgery now behind him and his determination to get fit again he should be clear of these injury problems and will be back stronger than ever for the start of the next season," added Gelis.   "Harry's disappointed that he is missing the Confederations Cup but he realises that it is more important that he gets his injuries fixed and has a strong pre-season.  That way he can be a key part of Liverpool's team for next season and be in good shape for Australia's world cup qualifiers."   National Coach Frank Farina will name his squad for the Confederations Cup next week.   Australia's match against New Zealand at the Confederations Cup will be televised by SBS.