ADELAIDE. Apr 3: Mark Philippoussis was ruled out of Australia's Davis Cup quarterfinal against Germany starting Friday in Adelaide after he failed to recover from a calf muscle injury. Tennis Australia officials said Monday, reports AP.

His singles spot is expected to be filled by either grass court specialist Wayne Arthurs, who made his Davis Cup debut in the semifinal against Russia last year, or former World No I Pat Rafter, who is on the comeback from shoulder surgery.

Germany was also depleted by injury when Tommy Haas, the nation's top Davis Cup player, withdrew from the squad due to a hip injury.

With top-ranked Nicolas Kiefer refusing to play Davis Cup. Germany called In Michael Konlmann as Haas' replacement to join Rainer Schuettler, David Prlnosil and Marc Goellner.

Philippoussis sustained his leg injury two weeks ago in Indian Wells, California, and has not responded to treatment since returning to Australia.

"It's unfortunate that Mark can't be here but we have to think long term, and It's important not to put him at risk this weekend." said Australian Davis Cup captain John Newcombe.

Newcombe said Arthurs and Rafter could share the singles duties.

"At the moment our thinking is that (Arthurs) will play the singles on the first day. (Rafter) will play doubles and we've got an option now under the new rules where (Rafter) could move in (for the reverse singles)." he said.

'It’s not a bad back up to have, having Pat Rafter in a back-up position."

Newcombe has until an hour before Thursday's draw to decide on his lineup.