Major injury blow for All Whites hours before World Cup opener

The All Whites have suffered a major injury blow ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener against Iran today.

Midfielder Matt Garbett has suffered a hamstring injury and will be out of the squad for the rest of the tournament.

Auckland FC winger Logan Rogerson has now been called up and will travel to join the team "immediately".

Garbett, who plays for Peterborough United in England's League 1, will be out of action for at least a month, according to NZ Herald.

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It's a devastating blow for the 24-year-old, who had put in a good performance during the All White's warm-up game against England

"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," an NZ Football spokesperson said.

"We look foward to seeing him back on the pitch soon."

New Zealand start their World Cup campaign in Los Angeles in a game against Iran at 1pm.

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