The injury woes have hit the All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen again and he's likely to miss the start of the English Premiership football season this weekend.
Nelsen, who missed the end of last seasons and the Fifa Confederations Cup with a calf injury, suffered a knee injury in Blachburn Rovers' last pre-season match.
Rovers manager Sam Allardyce says Nelsen is doubtful for this weekend's season opener against Manchester City.
Nelsen's career in England has been blighted with injuries.
