Osieck, whose opening games in charge will be against Switzerland and Poland next month, declared the left fullback spot vacated by Chipperfield a headache as preparations for the Asian Cup intensify.

The Bellambi product retired from international duties following South Africa 2010 after 68 appearances in 12 years.

David Carney replaced the 34-year-old at the troublesome position for Australia's final two World Cup matches and last month's loss to Slovenia.

German-born Osieck, who yesterday named a near-strength, 20-man squad for the upcoming friendlies, pointed to his homeland as an example of the dilemma of the left fullback position worldwide.

"It's a difficult one, even the top teams in the world don't have a natural left fullback," Osieck said.

"Bayern Munich use Philipp Lahm on the left flank although he's a natural right-footed player.

"Of course we have Carney here and he's good speed and can do a lot of things in that position.

"We have got to look for one or two more options."

Harry Kewell - who has been embroiled in a feud with former team-mate Robbie Slater over an alleged altercation with Chipperfield at the end of the World Cup - has been recalled, along with Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton and Josh Kennedy.

South Coast duo Luke Wilkshire and Adam Federici retained their places, although the Nowra-born gloveman is likely to play second fiddle to Mark Schwarzer.

Schwarzer has sat out Fulham's first two English Premier League games while awaiting a transfer to Arsenal.

Osieck proclaimed the undisputed No 1 would be able to cast the saga aside while on international duty.

"I went to Fulham over the weekend and had a chat with Mark," he said.

"I know about his transfer situation but I still consider him the No 1."

Middlesborough striker Scott McDonald - a controversial omission from the final squad for South Africa 2010 - also has been given an international lifeline.

Gold Coast's Jason Culina and Melbourne Heart centreback Michael Beauchamp were the only A-League players named.

The matches are the first time Australia have played Switzerland or Poland and will be played on September 3 and 7.