PSV’s Ryan Thomas has been ruled out of the squad for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Intercontinental Play-Off with the midfielder still recovering from the knee injury that has seen him miss most of the season. 

The announcement came from All Whites Head Coach Danny Hay following the date for the Intercontinental Play-Off against Costa Rica being confirmed as 14 June 2022 (15 June 2022 in New Zealand) in Doha, Qatar. 

“There is no doubt a fully fit Ryan Thomas is a huge asset to this team but at this stage, from speaking to Ryan, he isn’t going to be ready for when we face Costa Rica in June unfortunately” says Head Coach Danny Hay.

“We are all really disappointed that Ryan isn’t going to be able to join us, but the reality is that he is coming back from a long-term injury and hasn’t been able to play a full 90 minutes so far this season. With just over a month before we are looking to start our pre- Intercontinental Play-Off camp, it unfortunately isn’t possible he will be ready in time.” 

“We have shown through our recent fixtures that we have built significant depth in the squad, so there is good competition for places across the pitch. Obviously, we would want to have Ryan available, but I have every faith in the players we name.”

Ryan Thomas has played 19 times for the senior national side, scoring 3 goals. His last cap came in November 2019 against Ireland, Danny Hay’s first match in charge of the team. 

Article added: Thursday 21 April 2022