New Zealand striker Chris Wood has missed today's Premier League clash between Burley and Newcastle United with what appears to be an ongoing hamstring injury.
Chris Wood. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Burnley forward suffered the injury against Manchester City last week.
Wood's expected to play in New Zealand's upcoming Fifa World Cup qualifiers agaisnt Peru - the first of the two matches is in Wellington next weekend.
In a statement NZF said they were confident Wood would still be available for the matches.
Meanwhile New Zealand and Peru will start next month's intercontinental playoff for a place at the 2018 World Cup with a clean slate in terms of yellow cards.
The South Americans asked soccer's world governing body FIFA to make the ruling, arguing that the All Whites had played fewer games in their qualifying rounds.
. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand played seven Oceania group qualifying matches plus a two-legged playoff, while Peru played 18 matches as they came fifth in their continent's competition.
"This resolution is an example that allows both national sides to start from an equal footing in the playoffs," FPF president Edwin Oviedo said.
-RNZ/Reuters