Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will miss Australia's exhibition against New Zealand on Monday because of a sprained thumb.
Schwarzer's injury during a practice session Wednesday will give 25-year-old Adam Federici the start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia's final home match before the World Cup.
Team officials said Sunday the 37-year-old Schwarzer's World Cup appearance is not in jeopardy.
Schwarzer had an outstanding season for Fulham in England's Premier Leaguer. Federici played for Reading in the English League Championship.
Star forward Harry Kewell also will miss Monday's match for Australia as he recovers from a persistent groin injury.
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek said his side's six-day training camp in Melbourne was a success. He will cut the roster from 31 to 27 on Tuesday and must get down to FIFA's 23-man limit by June 1.
"We've had a fantastic training camp, great training facilities. The boys have all done a fantastic job," Verbeek said. "But they know I have to make a few decisions before I go to South Africa and they have done everything to show us they are ready and want to be part of the World Cup selection."
Australia opens Group D play against Germany on June 13 in
Durban.
