Injury Problems Mounting for All Whites

Ten days before the first of New Zealand's two home fixtures against Honduras and Paraguay, injuries are beginning to undermine squad depth.

First of all, Rory Fallon pulled out due to recent surgery on a groin injury. He has subsequently been added back to the squad, but having not played football for more than a month, he is only going to play a small part, if any, in the All Whites two matches. Next, Tony Lochhead withdrew from the squad, also because of surgery.

Now, it is being reported that Tommy Smith is harbouring a back injury that may keep him in England. According to comments we picked up on TWTD.co.uk earlier in the week, Smith has had a back niggle for a while. It seems to have been good enough to play most of the season so far, but it would not be surprising if his Ipswich Manager Roy Keane leans on him to take a break during the international window.

And finally, it sounds as if Jeremy Brockie, who has missed the Newcastle Jets' last couple of games, may not be right in time for Honduras either. TribalFootall.com reported Brockie as saying that ""I had a chat with [Jets consulting physiotherapist] Paul Hazell and [coach] Branko Culina, and as much as they both want me to go away and play for my country, we all agreed that if I'm not 100 per cent it's not worth risking. It would not only be harmful for the Jets, it would not do me any good for future New Zealand games if I go over there 70 per cent."

Given these injuries, given Ryan Nelsen has not been 100% fit in recent weeks, given the likes of Simon Elliott and Aaron Clapham are short on match fitness, given the All Whites are playing two games within 72 hours, the depth of the squad is going to be seriously tested in the upcoming friendlies.

Ricki Herbert might now decide its time to give Kosta Barbarouses that phone call.