Captaincy candidates Lucas Neill and Mark Viduka are under injury clouds ahead of the Socceroos' friendly international against Denmark in London next week.

Neill's weekend debut for his new English club West Ham was a disaster.

The fullback fell awkwardly on his ankle and left the field three minutes after halftime in the Hammers' 1-0 FA Cup loss to fellow Premiership struggler Watford.

Viduka missed Middlesbrough's 2-2 FA Cup draw with Bristol City with a hamstring strain.

But Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate said Viduka was a chance of playing in Boro's next Premier League match against Portsmouth on Wednesday morning, Australian time.

He would have to get through that match, and Saturday's clash with Arsenal, to ensure he could take his place in the Socceroos squad for the friendly against the Danes at Loftus Road on Wednesday week, Australian time.

"He's got a chance of playing against Portsmouth - we'll have to decide whether to risk him," Southgate told his club's web site.

Depending on the seriousness of Neill's injury, he may be forced out of West Ham's midweek clash with Liverpool - the club he snubbed to join the Hammers.

"There was an aerial challenge and he landed awkwardly and turned his ankle. He wanted to carry on but we had to take him off," West Ham manager Alan Curbishley said of Neill.

Viduka and Neill were both in the frame to lead the Socceroos against the Danes.

Viduka captained Australia at the World Cup, while Neill led in a friendly and Asian Cup game late last year.

If neither is available, coach Graham Arnold may have to look to former skipper Craig Moore or goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to lead the side.

Meanwhile, Harry Kewell will join the Socceroos for the Denmark match, but not on the pitch.

The injury-riddled Liverpool midfielder will commentate for Fox Sports, provided his rehabilitation continues to progress smoothly.

He has never commentated before.

"Obviously I would prefer to be playing but I'm looking forward to watching the lads play and offering my thoughts to the fans in Australia," Kewell said.

The 28-year-old is back in training and has set the February 21 Champions League clash with Barcelona as a possible return date.

He hasn't played since injuring his foot with the Socceroos at the World Cup finals in Germany.

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