Missing a campaign that includes cup clashes against Spain, South Africa and Iraq, as well as a warm up against world champions Italy was another cruel twist in an injury blighted international career for Nelsen.
The star defender ended a frustrating four-year absence from the All Whites against New Caledonia last year and is now “absolutely gutted” he can’t lead out the New Zealand team on its return to the world stage.
“I was really looking forward to playing. The Confederations Cup is great preparation for the All Whites World Cup playoff and I’m just gutted I won’t be there now.”
A long season that began with the Olympic Games last August has finally taken its toll on Nelsen.
“It’s so frustrating. I’ve felt really good this year and I think including internationals I have played close to 50 games this season. The body has been feeling really great but I suppose it was a heavy load and maybe it was God’s way of telling me I needed a break.”
All Whites coach Ricki Herbert admits losing his captain and best player ahead of a major international tournament is “a massive blow”.
“I think the confidence, leadership, competitiveness and experience that Ryan has against players of the calibre we’re going to play is going to be missing now. That’s going to be a massive loss for the team,” says Herbert.
“I guess now our fingers are crossed that we face no difficulties in October.”
The loss of Nelsen, combined with the fact that Ben Sigmund is still working his way back to full fitness after off-season hip surgery, leaves Andy Boyens and Steven Old as the only match-ready central defenders in the 23-man Confederations Cup squad.
Herbert and assistant coach Brian Turner are now mulling options to add defensive cover.
The New Zealand-based squad members depart for their pre-tournament base in Botswana on Wednesday.
The All Whites play friendlies against Tanzania at Dar es Salaam on June 3 and Botswana at Gaborone on June 6, before moving to South Africa ahead of their final warm up against Italy in Pretoria on June 10. New Zealand begins its Confederations Cup campaign against Spain on June 14 in Rustenburg.
New Zealand’s Confederations Cup squad
Goalkeepers: James Bannatyne (Petone/Team Wellington), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix).
Defenders: Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), David Mulligan (Wellington Phoenix), Steven Old (Kilmarnock), Aaron Scott (Melville United/Waitakere United), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix).
Midfielders: Andy Barron (Petone/Team Wellington), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Christie (Wellington Phoenix), Simon Elliott (San Jose Earthquakes), Chris James (Tampere United), Duncan Oughton (Columbus Crew).
Forwards: Kris Bright (Panserraikas), Jeremy Brockie (North Queensland Fury), Chris Killen (Celtic), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Jarrod Smith (Seattle Sounders), Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion).
