All White Ben Old is expected to be sidelined for an extended period after picking up a knee injury at AS Saint-Étienne training last week.
The French club posted on X that Old would miss the next four to six months. That timeline would put Old out of the All Whites' World Cup qualifying matches in November against Vanuatu and Samoa.
His club said he underwent successful surgery today on his internal lateral ligament and meniscus.
The 22-year-old signed for the French club in July, off the back of an impressive 2023/24 season with the Wellington Phoenix.
Old has made six appearances for in the French top flight so far this season, including four starts.
St Etienne fans expressed their disappointment at losing Old for a large chunk of the season.
Reacting to the club’s post, one fan – Clément Guillaume – said: “Without doubt the worst news of the start of the season… with his natural talent, his ability to adapt, but also his attitude off the pitch.”
And Maxime added: “Strength to you Ben, we’ll find the best player in the team [when you return] in February, I’m sure of that.”
Others wished him well for his recovery.
The Kiwi recently featured for the All Whites in their 3-0 win over Tahiti and 4-0 win over Malaysia.
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