Socceroo Player Preview: Tim Cahill

Socceroo midfielder Tim Cahill's World Cup chances are hanging by a thread after his club Everton revealed that he has suffered knee ligament damage and will be out of action for 6 weeks. The 26 year old was injured in Everton's 0-0 draw with Birmingham on Saturday.

Cahill had a slow start to his second season in the Premiership, his form mirroring that of his club. When Cahill started chiming in with goals the Toffees began their climb up the table. In his first season in the Premiership Cahill scored 11 league goals on the way to helping Everton finish 4th and qualify for the Champions League. In 32 appearances this season the heart on his sleeve Aussie has scored 6 league goals.

If Cahill was to miss out on a place in the World Cup squad it will be a huge loss for Australia as the goal scoring midfielder is a big game player. His most notable big game performance was when he scored the winner for Millwall in the FA Cup semi-final in 2004.

Hiddink will most likely give Cahill the benefit of the doubt and take him to Germany but without a solid preparation Cahill is going to be a risk.

The Socceroos open their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 12 before playing Brazil on June 18 and finishing the group matches against Croatia on June 22.