New Zealand's slim hopes of making the men's Olympic football quarter-finals worsened Monday when inspirational captain Ryan Nelson had to return to his English club Blackburn Rovers.
Nelsen, the Blackburn captain who had only been released for two games, tried to contact the club after New Zealand's 0-5 loss to Brazil hoping to get an extension.
New Zealand manager Jim Hogg was unsure if Nelsen managed to get hold of Blackburn management and said the class defender was bound to honour his commitment to return.
Blackburn play their opening English Premier League match against Everton on Saturday.
New Zealand, who drew their opening match against China 1-1, have a must-win game against Belgium on Wednesday if they are to have a chance of qualifying for the Olympic quarter-finals.
In addition to Nelsen, they will also be without striker Jeremy Brockie, who has scored New Zealand's only goal here but picked up two yellow cards.
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