Soccer: I'll be fit for cup - Kewell

SYDNEY - Socceroos star forward Harry Kewell has dismissed suggestions he won't be fit for next month's World Cup.

The 31-year-old says missing his Turkish club Galatasaray's match at the weekend was a precautionary measure after tweaking the groin injury which has sidelined him since January. But the former Leeds and Liverpool star said claims he would struggle to be fit for Australia's World Cup opener against Germany on June 13 were wide of the mark.

Football Federation Australia says medical staff have been sent to Turkey to monitor and assess Kewell's injury.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek is expected to announce Kewell in his preliminary 27-man World Cup squad today, with midfielder Mark Bresciano, who is recovering quicker than expected from a back injury.

- AAP