Veteran striker Rory Fallon will miss the All Whites' OFC Stage Three Qualifiers against New Caledonia after leaving the team because of a family bereavement.
The34-year-old was hoping to help the All Whites in their next step of World Cup Finals qualifications, however will miss both matches against New Caledonia on November 12 in Auckland and November 15 in Kone respectively.
All Whites coach Anthony Hudson said the forward would be greatly missed.
“Rory is a big part of this team both on and off the pitch and he will be missed. We wish him all the best.”
“It is obviously not the news you ever want to hear for a member of the team, so our thoughts go out to Rory and the Fallon family,” said Hudson.
Fallon will leave the team tonight to be with family and will not be replaced in the All Whites squad.
Newshub.