Chronic injury-ridden winger Harry Kewell is closing in on a return to first-team football after a groin injury.

Kewell, 29, picked up the injury while playing for Australia in the Asian Cup in the summer and has not played for Rafael Benitez's side this season.

But Benitez said: "Harry is working really hard and next week he could be training with the first team.

"Harry is very important for us. A player with pace and ability who can score goals is always important."

Labels: Benitez, injuries, kewell