Key Defenders Near Return
Darren Bazeley has received good news ahead of the World Cup. Key defenders Liberato Cacace and Michael Boxall are close to returning from injury.
Cacace, who plays for Wrexham AFC, has missed action since February due to a hamstring injury. He has now returned to full training. Bazeley said the left-back almost played against Oxford United. He expects him to feature this weekend.
Boxall, a defender for Minnesota United FC, has also made strong progress. He missed over a month with an adductor strain. Bazeley confirmed he would be ready if the World Cup started today.
Captain and Squad Updates
Captain Chris Wood has returned to action for Nottingham Forest after a recent injury scare.
Midfielder Sarpreet Singh is close to full fitness at Wellington Phoenix. Defenders Francis de Vries and Nando Pijnaker should play in Auckland FC’s finals run.
Winger Kosta Barbarouses missed Western Sydney Wanderers’s last match with a calf injury. He is expected to recover in time for the tournament.
World Cup Focus
New Zealand will play at the World Cup for the first time since 2010. They open their campaign on June 15 against Iran in Los Angeles. They will also face Egypt and Belgium in Group G.
Coach Remains Cautious
Bazeley admitted he still worries about player fitness. He said every match brings risk at this stage. The team will monitor players closely in the weeks ahead.
