New Zealand hopes in this afternoon's Olympic qualifier against hotshots Argentina could depend on how Hayden Shaw recovers from a worrying Achilles tendon injury.
Forced out of yesterday's must-win final pool match with France after just three minutes, Shaw sat out the rest of the match to receivetreatment.
"It is not the old knee injury," said a philosophical Shaw."It is a recurrence of an injury I picked up in the USA game."
However, Shaw's possible absence could be balanced if Argentina hockey captain Mario Almada is suspended for today's match.
Tournament director Ken Read said a decision had been made in relation to Almada following an incident in Argentina's 1-0 loss to Ireland yesterday. Pending an appeal by Argentina, it is thought Almada may be suspended for the final.
Shaw became the first New Zealander to score 100 international goals early in the tournament - a feat later matched by striker Phil Burrows - and is a vital cog in the penalty corner set-up.
In his absence yesterday, the Black Sticks forced three penalty corners but threatened with none.
"We didn't show anything in those," Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod admitted. "We need to keep something up our sleeve.
Shaw's early departure led to a quick reshuffle with Steve Edwards switching from centre to right half and Casey Henwood being introduced at centre-half.
"I'm not sure how Hayden is at the moment but, if we have to make changes for the final, the players know their roles. I'm sure they can all step up again."
Simon Child did not leave the bench yesterday after a calf injury but will be ready to play today.
Captain Ryan Archibald raised injury fears - but only had contact lens woes.
