New Zealand has suffered a blow three days out from their Athens Olympics soccer qualification tournament with goalkeeper Adam Highfield ruled out with a fractured wrist.
Highfield has been replaced by Kingz reserve keeper Tamati Williams in the age-restricted squad (soccer teams are at under-23 level at the Olympics).
Head coach Ricki Herbert said today it appeared an old injury had flared up.
"Adam felt some pain in the wrist on Saturday and a subsequent medical examination has found a small bone fracture.
"It is disappointing for Adam to be ruled out before the tournament gets underway but it does at least allow Tamati (Williams) time to work with the squad before our first game on Wednesday."
New Zealand begin their Olympic qualifying campaign in Oceania Group B at North Harbour Stadium on Wednesday night against the Cook Islands.
- NZPA
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