Australia's Jones leaves squad ahead of WC

South Africa: Backup goalkeeper Brad Jones has left the Australia squad and returned home because of an illness in his family and could miss the World Cup.

The Australian football federation said on Sunday it has asked FIFA for permission to replace Jones in the squad, but added that there is still a possibility the Middlesbrough 'keeper will return and participate in the tournament.

It did not give details about the illness, but Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph reported that Jones' 4-year-old son Luca has been diagnosed with leukemia.

The FFA said Jones left the squad on Saturday.