New Zealand’s World Cup preparations have received a timely lift, with several key players nearing full fitness as the All Whites gear up for their long-awaited return to the global stage.
Head coach Darren Bazeley confirmed encouraging updates on the injury front, with defenders Liberato Cacace and Michael Boxall both expected to return to action soon.
Cacace, the Wrexham left-back, has been out since February due to a hamstring injury but is now back in full training and closing in on a comeback.
“He was close to being involved against Oxford United,” Bazeley told Stuff. “He feels good and is hoping to be involved this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Boxall has recovered well from an adductor strain that kept him sidelined for over a month. The Minnesota United centre-back has been carefully managed but is now considered fit.
“If this was the World Cup now, he would be available for selection,” Bazeley added.
There was further positive news with captain Chris Wood back in action for Nottingham Forest after a recent injury scare. The national team’s all-time leading scorer remains central to New Zealand’s hopes.
Midfielder Sarpreet Singh is also edging closer to a return from a knee injury with Wellington Phoenix, while defenders Francis de Vries and Nando Pijnaker are expected to feature in Auckland FC’s finals run.
Veteran winger Kosta Barbarouses, who missed Western Sydney Wanderers’ recent defeat due to a calf issue, is also expected to be fit in time for the tournament.
New Zealand will make their first World Cup appearance since 2010, kicking off their Group G campaign against Iran on June 15 in Los Angeles. They will then face Egypt and Belgium in what promises to be a challenging group.
With just weeks remaining, Bazeley admitted the final stretch is filled with tension as he monitors players’ fitness across club competitions.
“It’s a worrying time every time players are playing now,” he said. “We’ll be living like that for the next month until we get to the World Cup.”
As the injury clouds begin to clear, New Zealand’s squad is coming together at the perfect moment — boosting confidence ahead of their biggest test on the world stage.
