Viduka could face lengthy spell on sidelines

Socceroos and Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka could face six months on the sidelines according to his United manager Kevin Keegan, while Harry Kewell will be released by Liverpool.

Socceroos and Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka could face six months on the sidelines according to his United manager Kevin Keegan, while Harry Kewell will be released by Liverpool.

Keegan told the club-s Newcastle World TV that the Australian striker might be out of action from anywhere between three-six months after his Achilles tendon injury was worse than first feared.

Viduka has been plagued by leg injuries since arriving at Newcastle, playing just 21 games and scoring seven goals in the process. His return recently coincided with a good run of wins and results for Keegan after a less than terrific start to his second spell at United.

Keegan said they will know the full extent of his injury in about two weeks, but early signs were not good. He initially hoped that Viduka would be back for a proper pre-season training after getting an injection this week.

Keegan also confirmed that Viduka-s Australian Olympic teammate James Troisi will not be getting a new contract and is free to find another club.

Meanwhile, Viduka's former teammate at Leeds United and national team teammate Harry Kewell will be released by Liverpool at the end of the season.

Raphael Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv in a wide-ranging interview that an agreement over a new deal could not be reached with Harry's agent and as a result he was free to look for a new club.

Kewell is expected to play an important role with the Socceroos in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, especially in the absence of Viduka and Cahill.

In other transfer news from England, former Wollongong Wolves Championship winner Paul Reid has been released by Brighton Hove Albion and rejected an offer from Adelaide United.