All Whites mainstay Tony Lochhead is confident that surgery has restored his World Cup hopes but he remains on the sideline at the national camp on Auckland's North Shore.
The Phoenix left-back, with 27 internationals since 2003, has struggled with a groin injury since December and sought out a surgeon
when post-season rehabilitation work was having no effect.
The injury is a "sports hernia" and keyhole surgery last week inserted mesh to strengthen the area.
Worryingly, perhaps, Lochhead said the injury was similar to that suffered by Jesse Ryder, who took six months to shake free of the problem.
"The problem is between the lower abs and the groin," said Lochhead, who was restricted to light work on his own as other members of the home-based All Whites squad trained at North Harbour Stadium yesterday.
"The physio and trainers have set a recovery path and I'm well ahead on that. I'm feeling pretty confident so far, knock on wood.
"It's not easy sitting watching other guys train.
"But I've solved the problem and I've just go to do my work and get back out there.
"I feel like I'm on the way back."
Lochhead will miss today's match against Auckland City at Kiwitea St, and at best hopes for limited action against the NZFC All Stars at Albany next Sunday.
His place will come under threat in South Africa, with well rated defenders Tommy Smith and Winston Reid set to join the squad.
"It's perfect," said Lochhead, of the competition for places.
"It's what we need.
"In the past sometimes we've had just about enough players to make up a squad.
"Now there is competition for places in the starting team and if we want to get better that is what we need.
"The injury is a bit of a concern. Hopefully by the end of this camp I'll be involved again and in the World Cup squad.
"I've been there since day one and to finish off at the World Cup would be awesome."
