The All Whites are facing an injury concern ahead of their World Cup opener against Iran, with midfielder Matthew Garbett in doubt less than 24 hours before kick-off.
The 24-year-old picked up a hamstring injury during training yesterday and remained under assessment by the team’s medical staff today.
Garbett, who plays for English club Peterborough United, had been expected to start in New Zealand’s opening match at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.
All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley said it was still unclear whether the midfielder would be fit to play.
"We’ll get back today and find out more what this means for us and him," Bazeley told 1News.
"We’ve got a great medical department that will ensure that once decisions are made, they will know exactly what it is."
Bazeley confirmed the remainder of the squad was fit and available for the match, with the starting lineup set to be confirmed 90 minutes before kick-off.
New Zealand have been completing their final preparations at the University of San Diego training facilities ahead of their trip to LA for the clash against Iran, who are ranked 20th in the world compared to the All Whites' 85th.
When asked if the team were ready for their opening World Cup match, Bazeley insisted his side was "very organised and prepared".
"I think we just want it to come now. We’ve been waiting a long time and it’s been getting closer and closer, and now we’re here," he said.
"These are the sort of games that every player dreams of being a part of. So there’s pressure for sure, but it’s something that we should embrace.
"We just need to go and perform."
Fans flow into the University of San Diego for a peek at the team from Downunder at training. (Source: 1News)
Despite being the lowest-ranked side at the World Cup, Bazeley said his side were embracing the occasion.
"We don’t get that many opportunities to play in these types of tournaments," he said.
"So this is why we do it, to have the opportunity to play on the biggest stage in the world.”
Captain Chris Wood said one of the team’s biggest challenges would be helping younger players handle the scale of the occasion.
Los Angeles' SoFi stadium holds a total capacity of 70,240 and was expected to be packed with fans for tomorrow's game.
"But that’s a great challenge to have,” Wood said. "These boys are going to step up to the best level in the world.
"The World Cup is a great stage to play on, and we’ve all got something to prove.
"We’ve worked a long four years to get here, and now we’re at the end goal and it’s time to perform and put it all into place."
The All Whites will take on Iran at 1pm on Tuesday (NZT).
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