Fifa World Cup: All Whites midfielder Matt Garbett ruled out of Fifa World Cup with hamstring injury

The Fifa World Cup is over for All Whites midfielder Matt Garbett.

Garbett has suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out of action for at least a month.

Auckland FC forward Logan Rogerson has been called in as Garbett’s replacement and he will travel to join the team immediately.

Rogerson has played 15 times for the All Whites, scoring two goals.

As first reported by the Herald on Sunday, Garbett left Friday’s training session early, heading back to the hotel before the rest of the team.

He took no part in Saturday’s final session.

It’s believed that he could be heading home in the next few days.

“The whole squad’s thoughts are with Matt at this time and we are gutted he won’t be able to play in the tournament,” New Zealand Football said in a statement.

“We look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon.”

It’s a cruel blow for the midfielder, who had been set to start against Iran after an impressive performance in the final hit-out against England in Tampa.

For long term New Zealand fans, it will bring back memories of the sad fate suffered by Grant Turner, also a midfielder, who missed the entire 1982 campaign after turning his ankle a few days before the Scotland match.

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