Mark Philippoussis has been forced out of Australia's Davis Cup World Group playoff with Morocco next week because of a hip injury.

Tennis Australia released a statement on Tuesday announcing that Philippoussis had been replaced by Todd Reid for the September 24-26 tie at Perth.

Reid joins U.S. Open finalist Lleyton Hewitt plus doubles specialists Todd Woodbridge and Wayne Arthurs in the four-man squad.

Australia's non-playing captain John Fitzgerald said Philippoussis is still suffering the effects of an injury he picked up during the U.S. Open and had been rested as a precaution.

Hewitt, who rose to third in the world rankings after reaching the final at Flushing Meadows, will fill one of the two singles roles against Morocco with Reid and Arthurs vying for the second spot.

At world number 84, Arthurs is ranked 23 places higher than Reid but Fitzgerald said he is still considering playing the latter, regarded as one of Australia's brightest young prospects after winning the Wimbledon junior title two years ago.

"Mark's injury presents a great opportunity for Todd Reid to step up as a full member of the Davis Cup team," Fitzgerald said.

"We hope this will also be the beginning of another great Australian Davis Cup career."

Australia won the Davis Cup in 2003 but were condemned to the World Group playoffs after losing their first round tie with Sweden this year.

The winner of the tie with Morocco will remain in the elite World Group for 2005 while the loser will be relegated to the second tier.