Nelsen Injury A Potential World Cup Headache For New Zealand

The All Whites' skipper is again in the wars.

Aug 22, 2009 11:34:52 PM

More On :  New Zealand
EPL: Ryan Nelsen, Blackburn Rovers - Wigan Athletic (PA)
New Zealand’s preparations for their 2010 World Cup play-off have been hit with news that captain Ryan Nelsen picked up an injury while in action for Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
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The All Whites will take on either Saudi Arabia or Bahrain in a two-legged clash in October and November.

The winner will clinch a spot in South Africa next summer.

Coach Ricki Herbert will be concerned however that Nelsen, who missed the recent Confederations Cup with a knee injury, limped out of the action at the Stadium of Light on Saturday as Blackburn lost 2-1 at Sunderland.

“Nelsen's knee has flared up again and that is a medial ligament which is a very dangerous one now,” Rovers boss Sam Allardyce said after the match.

Nelson, the former captain of Major League Soccer side DC United, has been a key player for New Zealand for many years.

New Zealand will take on Jordan on September 9 as part of their preparation and it will become clear early in the week as to just how long the central defender will be on the sidelines.

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