MELBOURNE, Feb 6: Australia are seeking clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the eligibility of injured players for the World Cup after all-rounder Andrew Symonds tore a bicep tendon in his right shoulder on Friday.

Symonds underwent surgery on Sunday and is likely to be out of action for at least six weeks, jeopardising his place in the World Cup, which starts in the West Indies on March 13.

Australia, favourites to win the World Cup for the third time in succession, want to include Symonds in their 15-man squad in the hope that he will be ready for the tournament.

Captain Ricky Ponting said it was possible that Symonds could miss the earlier rounds and save himself for the more important matches at the end of the tournament.

However, the Australians are concerned that if Symonds is named in the squad by next week's deadline, but fails to recover in time to play, they may not be allowed to pick a replacement.

“I think there are a few things we have to check out with the ICC first as far as taking an injured player away to the West Indies is concerned,” Ponting told reporters on Tuesday.

“The doctors have basically said six or seven weeks and he should be right to start playing again then.—Reuters