The All Whites coach Ricki Herbert admits its a big blow to lose the Celtic striker Chris Killen for the World Cup qualifying matches against New Caledonia starting this weekend.
Following advice from the Glasgow club's medical staff, Killen - who missed New Zealand's World Cup qualifiers against Vanuatu last November with an Achilles strain - will require surgery to remove floating bone fragments from the striker's knee.
Killen along with Blackburn Rovers' defender Ryan Nelsen were expected in New Zealand today.
Herbert says Killen has been an integral part of their plans since day one and his experience is crucial, but the player's long-term welfare has got to be the priority.
He says the biggest disappointment is that they'll miss another chance for he and Phoenix forward Shane Smeltz to play together.... they're both young guys and there's potential for some longevity around that partnership.
A replacement for Killen in the 18-man squad is yet to be named.
