Despite having an injury-plagued season, Mark Viduka is still under consideration for Pim Verbeek's World Cup squad.

The Newcastle United striker has had a torrid run with an ongoing Achilles problem but Verbeek will not let that deter him as he plans for South Africa 2010.

The Socceroos are just one point from booking their place in the tournament and the Dutchman says he has to keep his options open.

"It's my responsibility to select the best team and if Viduka is showing he's the same as he has been before, there's no reason not to pick him (for the World Cup)," Verbeek told the Sunday Telegraph.

"That option is always open. I always have Viduka on the list to watch and to speak with.

"That's nothing to do with the other strikers, because I'm very pleased with my strikers. But anything can happen (before the World Cup).

"If he shows he's the same Mark Viduka as we know him, then, yeah, he's part of the group," Verbeek added.

"But he has to show me and everybody that he didn't lose (that) in one year.

"That's still a big possibility for a player of his age who didn't play for one year, that he never comes back to his normal level. Then it's a pity for him and a pity for us."