Fifa World Cup: Australia reserve keeper Brad Jones returns home

Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones was forced to cut his World Cup stay short, returning home to deal with a serious illness in his family, the Australian federation said on Sunday.

Jones, a regular understudy to first choice Mark Schwarzer, left on Saturday and it was not known whether he would return to take part in the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa.

"Football Federation Australia has applied to (world soccer's governing body) Fifa for the ability to replace Jones in the squad if necessary due to special circumstances and is awaiting written approval," the team said in a statement.

Coach Pim Verbeek was due to comment on Jones' departure later on Sunday.

Australia, in their second successive World Cup appearance, kick off their Group D campaign against Germany on June 13 and also play Ghana and Serbia.