The 28-year-old has not played for the Reds since getting injured during their FA Cup final win over West Ham last May and the exit door is looking on the cards for Kewell as he struggles to overcome foot and groin injuries.

He has been linked with Barcelona and Tottenham coach Martin Jol has respect for the player though getting back to fitness would of course be a prerequisite before any new move in his career.

The Times claimed it was doubtful Kewell would play for Liverpool again.

Initially, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had pencilled in a return at Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium next Wednesday as the Champions League last 16, first leg, heralded to return to action this year of the continent's top club competition.

Benitez has been staunchly loyal to the player but his lengthy absence from action has taken its toll and Benitez is concerned his time away from the game -- and much of it in Sydney having treatment -- might have eroded his mental game.

Benitez told the Times: "Harry is progressing, but with his situation, we can't say whether it's one week or two weeks or whatever," Benitez said. "We need to look at it day by day.

"I could say he could be back in two weeks, but we have to really wait and see. We tried to support Harry when he had some problems last season. He was playing really well, but after the World Cup he had another problem.

"The physios are working on Harry, but now we just need time. We have to wait for him to be close to being fit before we talk to him and give him support on the mental side of playing again."