McDonald ruled out of China clash

Australia’s strike force has suffered another blow, with Scott McDonald ruled out of the clash with China on Wednesday, after suffering a calf injury against Gretna on Sunday.

Australia-s strike force has suffered another blow, with Scott McDonald ruled out of the clash with China on Wednesday, after suffering a calf injury against Gretna on Sunday.

McDonald, who scored his 26th goal of the season in the 3-0 win, came off after 62 minutes and it was revealed after the game that his injury was deemed to severe for him to travel and back up three days later.

The Celtic hitman-s injury comes on the back of injuries to Brett Emerton, Tim Cahill, Mile Sterjovski and McDonald-s new strike partner Josh Kennedy.

The injury has paved the way for experienced Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson to lead the line, as he did against Singapore on Saturday night in the first half. Other strikers in Kunming already are Sydney FC-s Mark Bridge and Adelaide United-s Bruce Djite, who both played well in the difficult conditions against Singapore in their international debuts.

Harry Kewell could also play up front, although it-s unclear what formation Pim Verbeek has decided to start with and whether he is earmarked for a start in midfield.