The Australian national team has been given permission by FIFA to replace departed goalkeeper Brad Jones.

The 28-year old Middlesbrough man has left South Africa to be with his ex-wife in St Tropez so they can deal with the fact that their son has been diagnosed with leukemia.

It is currently unclear if Jones will return to the Australian camp but according to head coach Pim Verbeek, the Socceroos do not expect him back.

"We expect him not to come back - that says enough about the seriousness of the matter. We have decided he needs to be with (his family), as long as he needs to be there," he said.

A statement issued by Federation Football Australia on Sunday read: "Socceroos goalkeeper Brad Jones has been granted leave from the 2010 FIFA World Cup camp after receiving news of a serious illness in his family.

"Jones left South Africa on Saturday to be with his immediate family and it is unclear at this stage whether he will return and participate in the tournament. FFA requests that Jones' and his family's privacy are respected during this difficult time.''