David O'Leary yesterday warned Leeds fans not to expect the best of Harry Kewell this season as the Australian star again faces another agonising spell on the sidelines.

Kewell is out ''for the next few weeks at least'' with a calf strain but, more significantly, after being kicked on the Achilles tendon which required surgery this season.

O'Leary concedes there is no cause for concern, but it is the latest problem for Kewell, who missed the first four months of a troubled campaign.

Kewell was finally forced to undergo an operation to cure the injury which had blighted him since the end of last season, with rest initially prescribed as the best medicine.

But it soon became apparent surgery would be the only answer, and after going under the knife, Kewell finally made his long-awaited return at the beginning of last month.

Three substitute appearances were followed by his first start in the 2-0 win at home to Sunderland, in which United appeared to be back to their best, but it only proved a false dawn for both Kewell and Leeds.

''We're missing Harry and we will do for the next few weeks at least,'' said O'Leary. ''He is not right yet.

''His Achilles tendon is fine, but he did take a kick on it and in the few games in which he has played he picked up a niggly calf strain.

''It means we won't see the best of Harry for some time, particularly as he has missed so much training. It's difficult when you miss pre-season because that lays down the foundations.

''When you pitch them back in after they've been out for so long, they pick up other little things and that's because they have missed out on a solid six weeks of training.

''But people were misled when they saw Harry against Sunderland. He was back in person, but he was a long way off being the Harry Kewell people know and remember.''

Leeds face Barnsley in today's FA Cup third round at Elland Road knowing the competition represents the club's best hope of playing in Europe again next season.

O'Leary's side currently languish 13th in the Premiership, their lowest league position since September 1997, and are nine points off the top six.

The 42-year-old Irishman recognises frustration is growing, from within the club and among the supporters, who again made their feelings known during the game with Boro.

''The fans can do what they want,'' stated O'Leary. ''I'm not going to get into the patience stuff. We know we've a good side and eventually I know it will come right.

''It would be lovely if it came right tomorrow, so I'm looking for a good win to provide a spur in the league. We need to be in the next round and it would be nice if we could do that by scoring plenty of goals to give everyone a lift.

''I realise with the way we're going in the league the Cup looks like being our best route back into Europe, although I still think there is a lot to play for in the league given the points system.

''We're making hard work of it if we're going to qualify through the league, but it's still possible. We just need to go on a long run.

''Something like six wins to claw back 18 points, and look where that will take us. So to qualify through the league is still in our hands.

''But it is a frustrating season and there are reasons for it. We know we have a talented side and the sooner the lads put any type of silverware on the table the better. It will be fantastic for everybody.''

Eirik Bakke returns from a one-match suspension and will go straight into the side in the absence of Lee Bowyer, who serves his own one-game ban.

l If ever Everton needed the boost of long FA Cup run, then this must be it.

Five defeats in six league games has seen them dive down the Premiership and a cash crisis has also gripped the club.

But the Merseysiders will find themselves confronting a dangerous third-round trip to Watford knowing that FA Cup disaster will only heap more pressure and problems on boss Walter Smith, who said: ''Watford were a Premiership side last season and have much the same side they had when they were in the top flight. They know what it is all about.

''We are hoping that Kevin Campbell makes it - it would be good to have him and Duncan Ferguson up front.

''We have lacked a presence from strong players in that position.