Australia have been boosted for this month's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Bahrain by the return from injury of senior players Harry Kewell, Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano.

The trio was included in a 24-man squad announced by coach Pim Verbeek on Monday ahead of the November 19 qualifier in Manama.

All three missed Australia's 4-0 home win over Qatar last month, which pitched the unbeaten Socceroos to the top of group A with six points after two games.

Although Grella was substituted at half-time with a hamstring injury in Blackburn’s loss to Chelsea in the English Premier League on Sunday, Verbeek said he will wait on further medical advice regarding the midfielder’s fitness to travel to Bahrain.

Italy-based defensive midfielder Carl Valeri also returns to the squad after serving a one-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Adam Federici received a call-up following his recent run of form in the English Championship with Southend, while on loan from Reading.

Defender Craig Moore is the only Australian A-League player selected in the squad after his successful return from international retirement in the Qatar match.

In the other Group A match on Wednesday, Qatar host Japan in Doha, while Uzbekistan have a bye.

AFP

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