SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia have lost prolific striker Scott McDonald ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against China in Kunming.

McDonald suffered an injury playing for Celtic in Scotland over the weekend, leaving coach Pim Verbeek with a depleted forward line to face the Chinese.

Already the Socceroos are without injured midfielder Tim Cahill, striker Josh Kennedy, winger Mile Sterjovski and wingback Brett Emerton.

Football Federation Australia said McDonald had been ruled out with a calf muscle injury and would not be making the trip to China.

"When we've got our backs to the wall and we're under pressure, it seems to bring out the best in us and I don't think this will be any different," skipper and West Ham United defender Lucas Neill said from Kunming.

"I think a point will be a good result as long as we can continue to impress at home and get positive results.

"But I think there's enough experience and enough strength and character here to nick a win.

"China will be confident on home ground at altitude that they can get the result that they need, so I think we will come here to steal a win and that's what we will look to do.

"I think we will use the experience and mentality of the likes of Vinny Grella and Mark Bresciano who are used to playing in Italy where when they go away a draw is a good result."