Ange Postecoglou has thrown a lifeline to injury-troubled skipper Mile Jedinak, naming him in a provisional 30-man squad for two matches that will determine Australia's World Cup destiny.
Jedinak missed the Confederations Cup due to a groin injury and hasn't played club football for Aston Villa since April but he's nearing a return to full fitness.
Postecoglou will keep tabs on him before finalising a 23-man group next week for the World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand.
Jedinak, 33, pulled up sore after his last appearance for the Socceroos in June's qualifying win over Saudi Arabia in Adelaide.