Wood, Payne & Bell so far ruled out. But only Rufer (for Bell) named so far as a replacement.
Sounds like Bazeley is just going to roll with a 22 man squad now, and not replace Wood or Payne.
Kirwan & Greive likely next cabs off the rank? Though both Serie C & Scottish 2nd tier play through this window, and both at clubs chasing promotion.
No word on either Singh (didn't play for Rostock on the weekend) or Crocombe (relegation threatened Burton Albion have a L1 game this weekend), not being available.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350217775/alex-rufer-called-chris-wood-out-all-whites-tourNew Zealand Football confirmed on Tuesday morning that Wood, Norway-based midfielder Joe Bell and Phoenix defender Tim Payne have withdrawn from the squad.
Coach Darren Bazeley will need a new captain with Bell, who has acted in the role, also out after an injury at his Norwegian premier league club Viking FK.
The armband may go to MLS defender Michael Boxall, an All White since 2011, and now their most experienced player with Wood sidelined.
Wood’s quality and strike power - 34 goals in 74 appearances - can’t be replaced, but the All Whites have plenty of attacking cover in Plymouth Argyle reserve Ben Waine, Ireland-based Max Mata and recalled Wellington Phoenix goal grabber Kosta Barbarouses.
Payne’s role at rightback is likely to be covered by rookie Tyler Bindon, who has played there for English third tier club Reading.
Egypt have had some withdrawals of their own, including superstar Liverpool striker Mohammed Salah. The Premier League club asked Egypt for him to be spared the Cairo tournament because he is still geting back to full fitness after a hamstring injury.
Arsenal’s fringe midfielder Mohamed Eleney has also been spelled by Hossam Hassan, who will coach Egypt for the first time against the All Whites.