Australia goalkeeper Brad Jones looks set to miss the World Cup due to a family illness.
The Middlesbrough stopper has flown to Perth to tend to the matter and Australian federation chiefs are in talks with FIFA, who only allow injured players to be replaced, to see if they can call up another player.
A statement read: “Socceroos goalkeeper Brad Jones has been granted leave from the 2010 FIFA World Cup camp after receiving news of a serious illness in his family.
“Jones left South Africa to be with his immediate family and it is unclear at this stage whether he will return and participate in the tournament.
“Football Federation Australia has applied to FIFA for the ability to replace Jones in the Socceroos squad if necessary due to ‘special circumstances’ and is awaiting written approval.
“FFA requests that Jones’ and his family’s privacy are respected during this time.”
