Viduka ruled out by ban

Mark Viduka has been banned from appearing for Leeds in Saturday's Premiership game against Manchester United.

The Australian Soccer Association announced today that it would invoke a FIFA ruling preventing Viduka from playing for his club for five days.

The 28-year-old did not report for duty ahead of Australia's 1-1 friendly in Venezuela last night because he claimed he had a hamstring injury. In a statement, the governing body said it was not satisfied that Mark had sustained an injury that would have prevented him taking the field in Caracas.

It added: 'ASA notes he has played twice for Leeds since returning from Australia to visit his ill father.'

The ASA said it was satisfied with the medical reports provided by Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton, who also pulled out because of injury.