Football Ferns defender Meikayla Moore has been ruled out of the FIFA Women's World Cup, after rupturing her left Achilles tendon, days out of New Zealand's opening game against the Netherlands.
The 23-year-old, who was preparing for her second World Cup, sustained the injury in the warm-up in the team's second training session in France.
Moore started for New Zealand in three of their World Cup warm-up fixtures, including the 1-0 triumph over England in Brighton.
On her Instagram page, the centre-back said she was "heartbroken" by the injury and plans to undergo surgery in the coming days.
Football Ferns coach Tom Sermanni, who just re-signed through to the Tokyo Olympics, said he was deeply upset for Moore.
"First and foremost, our thoughts are with Meikayla, who is devastated to have her World Cup dream over," said Sermanni.
"She is a hugely popular member of our team and was looking forward to her second World Cup, where she would have played a significant role for us.
"We wish her well in a speedy and safe recovery. A player of her quality will have many more in the future.
"In terms of our approach for the World Cup, nothing really changes. We know we have a huge challenge ahead of us and that starts with the Netherlands."
Nicole Stratford replaces Moore in the Football Ferns squad.
The Ferns face the Netherlands in their opening World Cup match on Wednesday morning (NZT).
Newshub.