All Whites and Auckland FC defender Nando Pijnaker is under an injury cloud just nine weeks out from the FIFA World Cup.
According to Auckland FC, Pijnaker dislocated his right shoulder after jumping to contest a ball during the 32nd minute of his side's 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory.
The club said Pijnaker had undergone an MRI scan yesterday and would see a specialist for further opinion.
"Auckland FC will provide a further update once this has been completed," a spokesperson said.
The injury came just as he was returning to the side after missing a number of games earlier in the season due to an ankle injury.
The timing of this latest injury couldn't be worse, with selection for the All Whites World Cup squad coming up.
New Zealand's opener against Iran is just nine weeks away. Auckland FC have two games left in the regular A-League season.
Pijnaker was among the players expected to be selected, normally serving as the fourth-choice centre-back behind Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall and Finn Surman.
He was not on coach Darren Bazeley's lineups for New Zealand's recent friendlies in Auckland against Finland and Chile.
His injury is also another blow to Auckland FC, who have been suffering from late-season injury woes as they push to take the top spot on the A-League ladder from the Newcastle Jets.
Watch the All Whites' FIFA World Cup and warmup matches live and free on TVNZ+
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