Australia's backup goalkeeper Brad Jones could miss the World Cup after leaving the team to return home because of an illness in his family.
The Australian football federation said Sunday it has asked FIFA for permission to replace Jones in the squad, but added that there is still a possibility the Middlesbrough 'keeper will return in time for the tournament.
It did not give details about the illness, but Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph reported that Jones' 4-year-old son Luca has been diagnosed with leukemia.
"Jones left South Africa (Saturday) to be with his immediate family and it is unclear at this stage whether he will return and participate in the tournament," the FFA said in a statement.
While the deadline for selecting players has passed, FIFA could grant Australia permission to call in another player if Jones decides to skip the tournament. His likely replacement would be Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, who was cut from the provisional squad.
