Wrexham AFC striker Kieffer Moore will miss Wales national football team’s upcoming FIFA World Cup play-off fixtures after suffering a hamstring injury.
The 33-year-old forward had been a significant doubt since sustaining a tendon split during Wrexham’s FA Cup defeat to Chelsea FC earlier this month.
Moore has since missed Championship fixtures against Hull City and Swansea City, and the striker is not expected to return to action until April.
The injury means Moore will be unavailable for Wales’ World Cup play-off semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team on 26 March. Should Wales progress, he would also miss the play-off final five days later against either Italy national football team or Northern Ireland national football team.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson confirmed the striker would not recover in time for international duty.
“Kieffer’s not going to be right for the internationals, which is a blow for him and for Wales,” Parkinson said.
“He’s got this tendon injury which he feels OK with, but it’s shown up on the scan. It’s one of those injuries where you can operate at around 80–85%, but if you push beyond that you make yourself susceptible to further muscle injuries.”
Wrexham are also managing the absence of wing-back Liberato Cacace, who continues to struggle with injuries in what has been a difficult first season at the club following his move from Empoli FC last summer.
The New Zealand international will also miss upcoming matches for the New Zealand national football team.
Parkinson indicated the club is taking a cautious approach with the defender after several minor setbacks.
“Libby will miss New Zealand’s internationals and we’re focusing on getting him fit so he can hopefully contribute towards the end of the season,” he said.
“Because he’s had a couple of setbacks, I don’t want to put any pressure or timescale on his return.
“It’s not a major injury, but he’s had a few small setbacks which obviously isn’t typical for him. We’ll do everything we can to help him get back and contribute.”
