New Zealand Knights soccer manager John Adshead has drafted in All White Jeremy Christie to cover for injured midfielder Naoki Imaya, just over a week out from their A-League opener.
Adshead said Imaya was three weeks away from taking a full part in training after sustaining a broken leg, meaning
Christie would join the 20-strong squad until September 10.
The Knights open their Australian A-League season against Queensland Roar in Brisbane on August 28.
"His recovery has been quite superb so far but we must be careful not to push him too quickly," Adshead said of Imaya.
"It has been decided then to remove that temptation and allow him the chance to recover completely without the pressure of selection hovering over him."
Other players carrying minor injuries are now taking a full part in training, namely Darren Bazeley, Zenon Caravella and Frank van Eijs.
The Knights will continue their season buildup with a training match against the Solomon Islands on Wednesday.
The team will depart next Friday for Brisbane to prepare for the Sunday opener, before returning for the first home fixture against Sydney FC on September 2 at North Harbour Stadium.
- NZPA
