Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has been named in Australia's 23-man World Cup squad despite suffering from a knee ligament injury.
Cahill, who missed last weekend's 2-2 draw against West Brom in the final game of the Premiership season, was considered doubtful for the tournament by Toffees boss David Moyes.
Cahill suffered the injury in last month's goalless draw at Birmingham and Moyes revealed Everton's doctor believed the 26-year-old would not be able to train for at least six weeks.
But Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink, who is still in Europe, is convinced Cahill will be fit for their opening match against Japan on June 12th.
Tony Vidmar missed out on the squad because of an irregular heartbeat and paved the way for home-based defenders Mark Milligan and Michael Beauchamp to be included.
But Hiddink has still to name a team captain, preferring to wait until the players meet up in Australia before revealing his selection.
"I think it is fair to talk first with the players to say what I am thinking (about the captaincy) and what has been decided," said Hiddink.
Australia: John Aloisi, Michael Beauchamp, Marco Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Scott Chipperfield, Ante Covic, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella, Zeljko Kalac, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Stan Lazaridis, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Tony Popovic, Mark Schwarzer, Josip Skoko, Mile Sterjovski, Archie Thompson, Mark Viduka, Luke Wilkshire.
