Full back Tim Payne will not start in New Zealand’s OFC Men’s Nations Cup final against Vanuatu on Sunday.
The Wellington Phoenix defender hobbled off the pitch during the All Whites’ 5-0 semi-final win against Tahiti, and has been receiving treatment since.
Head coach Darren Bazeley told a media briefing Payne had felt a problem with a hamstring, and had been substituted straight away to get him medical support.
In an update on the eve of the final, Bazeley confirmed Payne would not play in the final as a precaution against aggravating the injury.
“But apart from that, we’re in pretty good shape,” Bazeley said.
“Everyone’s recovered and we’ve got a bit of a quiet day today where they’re doing some recovery. But we should be at full strength.”
Main photo: Darren Bazeley … ‘We’re in pretty good shape.’
READ MORE: All Whites power past Tahiti to clinch place in OFC Men’s Nations Cup final >>>>
For Vanuatu, key midfielder Bong Kalo is likely to miss the final, having picked up an injury in his team’s 2-1 semi-final win against Fiji.
Vanuatu head coach Juliano Schmeling said the injury was still being investigated.
“He’s got a very small chance to be part of the final, to be honest, at this stage but we’ll see the results,” Schmeling said.
“Apart from him, I think we are pretty much at full strength, taking Bong out of the list.”
READ MORE: Vanuatu make history to reach Sunday’s OFC Men’s Nations Cup final >>>>
Fixtures
Games to be played on Sunday June 30, 2024
Play-off for third place
Tahiti v Fiji
VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu, 12pm (NZT)
Final
New Zealand v Vanuatu
VFF Freshwater Stadium, Port Vila, Vanuatu, 4pm (NZT)
This story was first published on June 30, 2024
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