Setbacks For Aussie Star Strikers

The news concerning Australia’s two star strikers Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka is not good, after both suffered setbacks in their battles against respective groin and hamstring injuries.

The news concerning Australia-s two star strikers Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka is not good, after both suffered setbacks in their battles against respective groin and hamstring injuries.

Both appeared to be recovering well, but it now appears that both will be on the sidelines for longer than expected.

Kewell (pictured right) is reportedly still feeling some discomfort in his groin and his expected return is now likely to be in March rather than late February. He was hoping to play in the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen on February 22 and the League Cup Final against Chelsea five days later, but that now appears unlikely.

Missing the League Cup Final would be a huge blow to Kewell, who has yet to play in a major final in his eight-year career in England.

Viduka (pictured left) meanwhile has re-aggravated his hamstring with his manager Steve McClaren confirming that his rehabilitation will be put back another couple of weeks.

The Qantas Socceroo star has not played since Boxing Day and was also hoping to target a comeback around Middlesbrough-s European commitments in the UEFA Cup against Austrian side AK Graz on February 24.

McClaren, while keen to get Viduka back into the fold, will not rush him back, saying the most important thing is making sure he is right and fully fit before he resumes first-team football.