Soccer: Nelsen to miss Chile game

Ryan Nelsen. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Ryan Nelsen will miss tonight's final warm-up game against Chile with an ear infection.

The All Whites skipper complained of a sore ear to medical staff, who said there was little point risking it further by making the 45-minute flight from Johannesburg to Nelspruit where the game is being played.

Many All Whites fans will be relieved to see Nelsen out of the match because New Zealand cannot afford to be without their captain and best player for their first game against Slovakia on Tuesday night (NZT).

Coach Ricki Herbert had signalled that all 23 players were likely to get a run against Chile, meaning the game will inevitably lose shape and meaning.

Nelsen was the only player not to travel to Nelspruit. The game kicks off at 11.30pm (NZT).