Josh Kennedy and Harry Kewell have had to pull out of Holger Osieck's Socceroos squad ahead of Wednesday's (Thursday morning AEDT) international friendly with Egypt. The pair have withdrawn from the squad to tackle the African champions in Cairo because of injury in what is a major blow for Osieck's Asian Cup preparations.

Kewell was substituted in the 55th minute of his first game back in six weeks for Turkish club Galatasaray whilst Kennedy did not feature at all as J-League leaders Nagoya Grampus beat Omiya Ardija.

Neither player will be replaced in Osieck's squad as the German tactician will now reshuffle his attacking third which is certain to be led by in-form Everton star Tim Cahill.