Interim head coach Darren Bazeley is giving little away about the extent of star striker Chris Wood’s participation in Thursday’s friendly international against China.
“He trained yesterday,” Bazeley told a media briefing when questioned about Wood’s thigh injury, incurred in a club game for Nottingham Forest 10 days ago.
“We’ve got another training session today and we’ll work through the players that have arrived (today) and see how they’re feeling as well.
“We’ve got a lot of players that we’re monitoring and checking the loads of, and we’re seeing how everybody is before we make some decisions.”
Asked directly what people’s chances were of seeing Wood, Bazeley smiled and said: “I think you’ll see him …’
Meanwhile, defender Tommy Smith told the briefing of his pride in being able to return to New Zealand with his wife and children to potentially see him earn his 50th cap for the All Whites.
He also talked about the culture within the squad, and his views of the news that a second A-League franchise could be coming to New Zealand.
Main photo: Darren Bazeley: ‘I think you’ll see him …’
Watch the media briefing
You can see the full 14-minute briefing here:
Fixtures
Game to be played on Thursday March 23, 2023
Gates open at 2.30pm
New Zealand U-22 v China PR
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 3.30pm (NZT)
All Whites v China PR
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 7pm (NZT)
Game to be played on Sunday March 26, 2023
New Zealand U-22 v China PR
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 12.30pm (NZT)
All Whites v China PR
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 4pm (NZT)
Tickets
Tickets are available from $20 to $80 (adult) and $10 to $40 (children aged 2-14).
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