All Whites Key Defenders Poised for Injury Recovery Before World Cup

Wrexham's left back Liberi Cacace has been out of action since February due to a hamstring issue but has now resumed full training, as coach Michael Bazeley informed New Zealand's Stuff news site on Friday.

"He was almost selected for the Oxford United game," Bazeley commented regarding the recent midweek fixture. "He is feeling strong and aims to feature this coming weekend."

Michael Boxall, who has missed over a month with an adductor injury, has been carefully monitored by his US team Minnesota United yet is now ready to return to the pitch.

"Were the World Cup starting today, he would be eligible for the squad," Bazeley noted.

Bazeley expressed relief at seeing team captain Chris Wood, New Zealand's all time leading goalscorer, back playing for Nottingham Forest following a recent injury concern, with various other squad members also approaching full fitness.

Midfield player Sarpreet Singh is nearing a comeback from a knee problem at A League club Wellington Phoenix, while full backs Francis de Vries and Nando Pijnaker are set to participate in Auckland FC's playoff efforts.

Experienced forward Kosta Barbarouses sat out Western Sydney Wanderers' defeat to Wellington Phoenix last weekend because of a calf strain but is expected to be available for the World Cup.

The All Whites, making their World Cup return since 2010, begin their tournament on June 15 versus Iran in Los Angeles, followed by encounters with Egypt and Belgium in Group G.

Bazeley admitted to feeling anxious while observing his players in club games just seven weeks before the tournament starts.

"It's nerve wracking whenever they are competing at the moment," he explained.

"We will experience this tension for the coming month right up to the World Cup."