Nelsen missed Blackburn’s 6-2 English Premier League defeat to Arsenal this morning with a back injury sustained against Aston Villa last week, but Turner said the team’s influential captain was determined to win his fitness race and start what is the most important match New Zealand has played since qualifying for the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
“Our physio Roland Jeffery spoke to Ryan overnight and while he couldn’t take part against Arsenal, he’s having treatment and we’re confident he’ll be right to play against Bahrain,” Turner said.
The All Whites will base themselves in Dubai until the eve of the match, with players and staff arriving in the emirate by Tuesday morning local time.
Nelsen is expected to miss the first few training sessions and his progress will be closely monitored by New Zealand medical staff.
While coach Ricki Herbert and the All Whites’ Wellington Phoenix have already touched down in Dubai, Turner and the remaining New Zealand-based players departed Auckland this afternoon.
201 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Intercontinental Playoff
First Leg
Bahrain v New Zealand
October 10, kick-off 6.30pm (4.30am Oct 11 NZT)
National Stadium, Manama
Live on Sky Sport
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Second Leg
New Zealand v Bahrain
8pm, November 14
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Tickets from www.oneshotforglory.co.nz or 0800 TICKETEK
Story courtesy of NZF Media
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