New Zealand defender Nando Pijnaker is fighting to regain fitness for the World Cup following a dislocated shoulder sustained during Auckland FC’s 2-2 tie with Melbourne Victory in the A-League over the weekend.
Pijnaker was anticipated to be included among the centre-backs in coach Darren Bazeley’s World Cup squad for the tournament running from June 11 to July 19 in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Auckland FC confirmed Pijnaker’s injury on Tuesday and announced that the 27-year-old, originally from the Netherlands, would be seeking further assessment from a specialist.
Rehabilitation from dislocated shoulders can take as long as 16 weeks. The New Zealand team is set to kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran on June 15.
Pijnaker becomes the latest addition to an injury list that already includes New Zealand defenders Michael Boxall, Tommy Smith, Liberato Cacace, and Francis de Vries, while midfielder Sarpreet Singh is also dealing with a knee concern.
On a more positive note for Bazeley, Chris Wood, New Zealand’s captain and leading goal-scorer, made his return to action in Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Aston Villa, marking his first game in nearly six months after undergoing knee surgery.
As the All Whites prepare for their group stage matches, they will also be facing Egypt and Belgium, marking their return to the tournament for the first time since South Africa 2010.
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
