All Whites striker Chris Wood won't play in the second game against China in Wellington.
Wood missed the opening game in Auckland on Thursday with a thigh injury.
Interim coach Darren Bazeley has confirmed that Wood has left the country to continue treatment with his English Premier League club Nottingham Forest.
"Chris stayed in Auckland for a consultation and it was decided that it was in the best interest for Chris to return home," said Bazeley.
"Chris is not a player that you take risks with, he did come with the full intention of playing, he wants to play every game, but it wasn't just quite right for him."
It's a setback for the All Whites who have now gone six games with scoring a goal.
"He's a pretty good player, he's a Premier League striker who scores goals and he's the captain, so yes it's a blow, but that's football," Bazeley said on the eve of the Wellington game.
"But you deal with it, we have a good squad and good players that have an opportunity now, but Chris Wood is a difficult player to replace.
Bazeley has confirmed that there will be a number of changes to his starting eleven.
That includes centre back Tommy Smith who is unavailable after being sent off during the Mt Smart Stadium 0-0 draw.
