Tim Cahill is under an injury cloud in the lead up to the World Cup after the striker damaged his hamstring playing for the New York Red Bulls in a Major League Soccer match.

Cahill was forced off after just 27 minutes in the New York side's 1-1 draw with Chivas USA, the Australian signalling to the bench that his right hamstring was the source of serious discomfort.

Injury cloud: Tim Cahill. Credit:Getty Images

The 34-year-old appeared to suggest the muscle had been torn as he headed straight to the changing room for treatment.

Red Bulls manager Mike Petke said his hope was that Cahill had "strained rather than pulled it" but was unsure of the seriousness of the injury.