Harry Kewell has set out on a collision course with Leeds United after saying yesterday that he would play for Australia tomorrow, despite his club insisting that he should miss the game because of injury.

Kewell, who suffered a hamstring strain against Everton 10 days ago, has missed United's last two matches and the club has said he would be breaking their rules if he played for Australia now.

"We recognise Harry Kewell would like to play for Australia, but, technically, he shouldn't be playing on Wednesday," said David Walker, a Leeds director.

"Australia have asked us if Harry can come down and join up with their squad. As long as he is there having treatment then that's okay but I would be amazed if he played on Wednesday."

Leeds also hinted at legal action against Australia should Kewell play and aggravate his injury.

"There will be a problem if he plays and then misses games for Leeds," he added. "I don't want to say it, but Soccer Australia don't have a lot of money, do they?"

Australia were adamant Kewell would play against England at Upton Park if their own medical staff passed him fit.

"There was no question in my mind," said Kewell, who drove down from Yorkshire to join the squad on Sunday.

"I was always going to come. At the moment my priority is Australia. That's my next game. Then it's Leeds."

Terry Venables, a former coach of Australia, omitted Kewell from his Leeds squad for Saturday's 1-0 home win against West Ham.

"It's a club rule where if they're not fit on the Saturday they don't play internationals," the Leeds manager said.

Venables had indicated that he would give him permission to join up with the squad but not to play.