Football: Thomas ruled out of Uzbekistan match

All Whites attacker Ryan Thomas has been ruled out of next week's international clash with Uzbekistan in Tashkent due to injury. Photo / Getty Images.

All Whites attacker Ryan Thomas has been ruled out of next week's international clash with Uzbekistan in Tashkent due to injury.

Thomas, who featured recently for PEC Zwolle in their unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage, was withdrawn by his Dutch club with the 19-year-old nursing several niggling injuries.

All Whites coach Anthony Hudson said it was unfortunate to lose Thomas at such a late stage but the focus remains on getting the team fully prepared for their match-up with the 51st-ranked nation on Tuesday 9 September (NZ time).

"It's disappointing for us to lose Ryan so late but if he was not going to be able to take full part in our camp and preparation, it makes sense for both our team and for Ryan to use this time to get back to full fitness."

"Now that we're in Doha and underway with our preparation, the squad is excited and focussed on delivering a strong performance next week."

Thomas joins Marco Rojas and former captain Tommy Smith as one of three All Whites that have pulled out of the match.

Junior All Whites player Joel Stevens has been called into the senior squad as a replacement with Ipswich Town's Monty Patterson joining the U-20 side for their four-match tournament which begins on Wednesday at 5am (NZ time) against Qatar.

Uzbekistan v New Zealand
Pakhtakor Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tuesday 9 September, 2am (NZ time)
LIVE SKY Sport 3