The Socceroos’ World Cup preparations have suffered an early blow, with skipper Mile Jedinak hurting his groin on the final day of the English Premier League season.

Jedinak appeared in pain when he limped off 59 minutes into Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday morning (AEST).

The midfielder is set to have scans on the injury this week, but some reports suggest he could be out of action for two weeks.

That would rule him out of Australia’s farewell friendly against South Africa in Sydney on May 26 – their last match before heading to Brazil for the 2014 showpiece.

Jedinak’s substitution meant he fell short of completing every single minute of Crystal Palace’s Premier League season, having not missed a second of matchplay this campaign.

The 29-year-old, who wore the captain’s armband in the Socceroos’ most recent match against Ecuador in March, is the favourite to lead the Socceroos in Brazil after incumbent skipper Lucas Neil was ruled out.

National coach Ange Postecoglou will name Australia’s 30-man preliminary squad for the World Cup on Wednesday.