West Ham United's South African striker Benni McCarthy has been told his expanding waistline is threatening his World Cup place.

McCarthy, whose fitness has also caused concern at West Ham, was an unused substitute during South Africa's 4-0 win against Bryan Robson's Thailand side at the weekend.

National team boss Carlos Alberto Parreira is minded not to call on McCarthy for the friendly against Bulgaria next Monday, leaving just the clash against Colombia three days later before a squad of 23 is confirmed on June 1.

"He is overweight, with high body fat percentage and a lower physical state than the rest of the team," said South Africa fitness coach Francisco Gonzalez.

"We started specific work with him last week but the question is, will he be ready for the World Cup? Only Parreira can answer that!

"What's the point of having a player who isn't in a good physical condition and therefore useless to the coach.

"To go to the World Cup you have to be technically and physically well and today he (McCarthy) is not in a good shape to play; not in the ideal condition.

"We will offer him all the support so he can get back to shape, but it doesn't only depend on the technical committee it's depends on him as well. We are only going to launch him - if he wants to help us."