Kewell to miss Liverpool tour

HARRY KEWELL has been ruled out of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the Far East after the results of a scan yesterday revealed ligament damage to his left ankle.

The Australian striker, a £5 million buy from Leeds, suffered the blow in a friendly against Crewe on Saturday. However, Liverpool are hopeful he will be back in action at the Amsterdam tournament which starts on August 1.

Salif Diao is also out of the Far East tour after an X-ray revealed ligament damage. The Senegalese midfielder could also be back in action in Amsterdam.

Club spokesman Ian Cotton told the club’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: “Harry had a scan on his left ankle and this has revealed ligament damage. Salif Diao had an X-ray on his right ankle which also revealed ligament damage. Early indications suggest Harry and Salif could be back in training in 10 days and have a chance of returning for the Amsterdam tournament.

“Both players wouldn’t have had any chance of figuring in the Far East, so Harry and Salif will remain behind in Liverpool for treatment.”

Markus Babbel and Florent Sinama Pongolle have recovered from knocks and will fly out today.

The injury is a setback for Kewell following his controversial move from Leeds. The game at Crewe was only his second game for Liverpool, but he was forced to go off just before half-time.

He had taken a knock on the same ankle during the club’s training camp in Switzerland.