Soccer: Aussies hit with injury scare to top players

SYDNEY - Australia's World Cup hopes were hit by a four-pronged injury scare following the weekend's FA Cup and Premier League soccer matches in England.

First-choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone, winger Harry Kewell a groin problem and midfielder Tim Cahill a knee injury.

Striker Mark Viduka failed to start Middlesbrough's FA Cup semifinal against West Ham United because of a thigh injury.

His teammate Schwarzer was forced to leave the field follow-ing a collision with striker Dean Ashton.

Kewell was in sparkling form in Liverpool's 2-1 Cup semifinal victory over champions Chelsea before limping off early.

"I don't know the full story but we'll be in touch with him as soon as possible," Australia's assistant coach Graham Arnold said.

"We'll keep our fingers crossed it's not too serious. Knowing Harry he'll do everything he can to get fit."

Cahill hurt his knee during Everton's 0-0 Premier League draw with Birmingham City and was substituted at halftime.

Australia begin their first World Cup finals campaign for 32 years on June 13 against Japan.

Brazil and Croatia are the other teams in Group F.

- REUTERS