New Zealand midfielder Macey Fraser has been forced to return home from the OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier tournament in Samoa.
Fraser (21) suffered a mild concussion in the late stages of the Football Ferns’ 5-0 win against Vanuatu in midweek.
Clearly distressed, she was helped from the pitch.
Main photo: Macey Fraser (6) is supported by teammate Katie Bowen (14) and medical staff as she leaves the field.
NZ Football have issued a statement, confirming the mild concussion.
“Following standard concussion protocols and assessments from medical staff, Macey will leave camp today to travel back to Wellington and will not play a further role in the tournament,” the statement says.
“Macey made an immediate impact on her first Ferns tour, being named POTM in her debut and scoring two goals. We wish her well and look forward to seeing her back in the future.”
Wellington Phoenix player Fraser is the fourth player to leave the New Zealand team camp before the tournament semi-final against Fiji on Friday.
Defender Liz Anton (Perth Glory) and attacking midfielder Ruby Nathan (Canberra United) were to return to their clubs by prior arrangement with the Ferns management.
Wellington Phoenix captain and midfielder Annalie Longo withdrew from the squad without playing a game as “a precaution to avoid aggravating a calf strain,” according to a NZ Football statement.
READ MORE: Midfielder Annalie Longo pulls out of Football Ferns squad ‘as a precaution’ >>>>
LISTEN: Rising star Macey Fraser making most of her opportunities >>>>
Squads
New Zealand
Mackenzie Barry Wellington Phoenix FC, New Zealand
Katie Bowen Inter Milan, Italy
Claudia Bunge HB Køge, Denmark
Daisy Cleverley HB Køge, Denmark
Ava Collins St John’s University, USA
Brianna Edwards Wellington Phoenix FC, New Zealand
Victoria Esson Rangers FC, Scotland
Michaela Foster Wellington Phoenix FC, New Zealand
Ally Green AGF, Denmark
Jacqui Hand Lewes FC, England
Betsy Hassett Stjarnan FC, Iceland
Grace Jale Perth Glory, Australia
Katie Kitching Sunderland AFC, England
Anna Leat Aston Villa FC, England
Grace Neville London City Lionesses, England
Gabi Rennie Unattached
Indiah-Paige Riley PSV Vrouwen, Netherlands
Rebekah Stott Melbourne City FC, Australia
Kate Taylor Wellington Phoenix FC, New Zealand
Hannah Wilkinson Melbourne City FC, Australia
Head coach: Jitka Klimková
Fiji
Selai Tikoisuva (GK)
Seruwaia Vasuitoga (GK)
Mereseini Waqali (GK)
Adi Litia Bakaniceva
Anasimeci Volitikoro
Koleta Likuculacula
Preeya Singh
Elesi Tabunase
Pijila Kilaiwaca
Unaisi Tuberi (captain)
Sofi Diyalowai
Narieta Leba
Angeline Rekha
Filomena Racea
Asela Cokanasiga
Sonia Alfred
Luisa Tamanitoakula|
Kasanita Tabua
Evivi Buka|
Seruwaia Laulaba
Ema Mereia
Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina
Head coach: Angeline Chua
Fixtures
Games to be played on Friday February 16, 2024
Semi-finals
Solomon Islands v Samoa
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, 1pm (NZT)
New Zealand v Fiji
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, 5pm (NZT)
Game to be played on Monday February 19, 2024
Final
Winner semi-final 1 v winner semi-final 2
FFS Football Stadium, Apia, 5pm (NZT)
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