Liverpool winger Harry Kewell is facing six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury during Australia's World Cup finals campaign.


Kewell was forced to sit out the Socceroos' second round clash against Italy because of the problem, which team-mate Scott Chipperfield told reporters was gout.


However, the condition, which will ensure Kewell misses the start of Liverpool's Champions League and Premiership campaigns, is more serious than that.


A statement on the Reds' official website explained:

"The club has noted the considerable press speculation regarding the foot problem suffered by Harry Kewell while playing for Australia in this summer's World Cup finals.
"It is unfortunate that another Australian player spoke publicly to the media about his condition rather than an official spokesperson for the national team.
"His team-mate suggested that Harry had been suffering from gout which we can confirm was an incorrect diagnosis.
"Following Harry's return to Liverpool and examination by our own medical staff it became apparent he was suffering from an entirely different condition. This was identified as a septic arthritis - a bacterial infection in the joints of his left foot.
"Harry is currently undergoing treatment in hospital following a surgical procedure. He is expected to make a complete recovery and should be able to resume training in approximately six weeks' time."

Liverpool have plenty of cover for Kewell after completing the signing of versatile Brazilian left-footer Fabio Aurelio and having finally obtained a work-permit for Chile winger Mark Gonzalez.


Source: Football.co.uk


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