New Zealand have lost inspirational skipper Ryan Archibald from the Azlan Shah hockey tournament in Malaysia beginning this week.
Midfielder Archibald, who joined the team from Europe only yesterday, fell in the team's first training run, and injured an AC joint in his shoulder which has sidelined himfor three to four weeks.
Team management are hoping Archibald, capped 203 times since debuting for New Zealand in 1997, will recover in time for the pre-Olympics European tour in June.
For Archibald, 27, the injury revives memories of missing the 2004 Athens Olympics after failing to recover in time from a broken right leg.
"There was never any thought of risking Ryan and everything will be done to ensure he is fit and available for Beijing," New Zealand team manager Kevin Marr said.
"No decision has been made yet on Ryan's availability for the tour of Europe in June, however, it is hoped he will recover in time."
Midlands midfielder Lloyd Stephenson has been called up to replace Archibald and will likely start New Zealand's first match against India on Thursday in Perak's state capital, Ipoh, which is hosting the tournament.
Other teams at the tournament are Canada, Pakistan, Argentina, Belgium and hosts Malaysia.
Pakistan, Belgium and Canada have also qualified for the Olympics.
