PIM Verbeek has ruled out Bristol City midfielder Nick Carle for Sunday's China World Cup qualifier to give the player time to rest.

“He must start with his championship club for pre-season soon and he's had a tough season with Bristol. He'd had no holiday at all when he arrived with us,” said Verbeek of Carle.

“It's good for us and them if he gets a starting position with them.”

The Socceroo boss said Harry Kewell will lead a team featuring a core group of Socceroos who were part of the successful Qatar qualifier against China on Sunday.

“Harry Kewell, Michael Petkovic, Beauchamp, North, Valeri and Holman will all stay here,” Verbeek said earlier this morning at Sydney airport.

“And a lot of very promising younger players who did well in the training camps.”

This may include new Turkish Super League signing Bruce Djite, a late sub in the 3-1 win against Qatar on Saturday, and Mark Bresciano is also expected to play.

The Socceroos have three players suspended for the China game, including Mark Schwarzer.

Pim added: “We like to win and have 13 points in the group.

"Of course a lot of tickets have been sold for the China game and we want to be the best team in the group.”

The Socceroos' victory over Qatar qualified them for the final round of World Cup qualifiers beginning later this year.