SYDNEY, Dec 31, 2006 (AFP) - Interim coach Graham Arnold wants a fit and focused Harry Kewell to spearhead Australia's Asian Cup campaign in July.
Arnold has targeted at least a semi-final berth in Australia's first foray into Asia and says regaining an in-form Kewell could make all the difference against tournament heavyweights Japan, Iran, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
"We need all our top players fit and firing to do well at the Asian Cup, but we really would like Harry Kewell to get over his injuries and come back to full fitness and start playing again," Arnold told Sydney's Sun-Herald.
"He's had enough injuries over the last year or two to last anyone else a career. If we can get him back at full fitness it would be a huge advantage for us."
Australia are grouped in Bangkok with Thailand, Oman and Iraq.
Arnold said Kewell hoped to be playing again by February after missing all of the English Premier League season so far.
But before Christmas, Kewell told his club Liverpool's website he couldn't even kick a ball.
He has not played since the World Cup and was ruled out of Australia's last-16 clash against Italy with what was diagnosed as a septic arthritis bacterial infection in the joints of his left foot.
Arnold is hoping Kewell's inactivity will have whetted his appetite for the big stage and that he can, as he has done so often, become the "difference player" for the Socceroos in crunch games.
"We missed him terribly against Italy," Arnold said. "You need someone who can go past players, create something, make a difference."
Arnold hopes another of his key players, Everton's attacking midfielder Tim Cahill, could be available sooner than Kewell.
Cahill is recovering from a knee injury he suffered against Aston Villa in a Premier League game in November but hopes to be back in action in the New Year.
