Kewell out of Australia's squad for Confederations Cup

Harry Kewell has been officially ruled out playing for Australia in next month's Confederations Cup football tournament in Germany, Football Federation Australia (FFA) said

Harry Kewell has been officially ruled out playing for Australia in next month's Confederations Cup football tournament in Germany, Football Federation Australia (FFA) said.

Kewell has had surgery to repair a torn groin muscle suffered in Liverpool's win over AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul last week.

Kewell, who was a shock selection in Liverpool's starting side after a season disrupted by groin and Achilles injuries, was savaged by the English media.

He lasted 22 minutes of Liverpool's astonishing comeback from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties.

The Australian's commitment was questioned by critics as he has struggled with form and injuries for Liverpool last season.

Australian team physio Les Gelis visited Kewell in Liverpool on Monday to check on his progress, FFA said in a statement.

"The surgery has been a success," said Gelis, who is based in London as part of FFA'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 (in the final). 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," Gelis said.

"He's had the surgery on Friday and it went well so now there is a six-week rehabilitation programme 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 team-mates for pre-season training in about six weeks."

Gelis said he was confident Kewell will return to full fitness.

"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."

Australian coach Frank Farina was scheduled to announce his squad for the Confederations Cup next week.

Australia will have a final lead-up match against New Zealand at Craven Cottage in London on June 9 before heading to Germany.