Copper Queens first choice goalkeeper Hazel Nali has been ruled out of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup slated for Australia and New Zealand due to injury.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says Nali sustained a left knee injury in the period preceding the July 7 international friendly match with Germany in Fürth and underwent a check-up in that country and New Zealand which has ruled her out of the tournament.
“A preliminary examination was done in Germany which led to the player missing the friendly match with an MRI done in New Zealand ruling out the player for the rest of the tournament. Our medics in liaison with the FIFA Medical Committee have informed us that Nali suffered laxity in the Medial Collateral Ligament and a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL),” says Kamanga.
“The ACL is pivotal in the support system of the knee and the medics have recommended that it will take a minimum of six months to repair it so that she slowly returns to training depending on how she heals” explained Kamanga.
In a press statement availed to ZANIS by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala, Kamanga said the player will head back home where she is expected to undergo treatment and rehabilitation.
“In the meantime, the player will be leaving camp for treatment and rehabilitation back home. The technical bench has since advised on the replacement in the goalkeeping department,” he says.
Zambia plays Japan on July 22 at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton with the second match coming up four days later in Auckland against Spain at Eden Park Stadium.
The final group match is against Costa Rica on July 31 at Waikato Stadium.
The 2022 WAFCON bronze medalists have since settled in Hamilton which is their tournament base.
