New Zealand midfielders Ryan Thomas and Joe Bell are facing a race against time to reach full fitness ahead of the FIFA World Cup after both picked up leg injuries in the build-up to the tournament.

Head coach Darren Bazeley confirmed to New Zealand outlet Stuff on Monday that Thomas will miss upcoming friendly matches against Haiti on Tuesday and England on Saturday as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem.

Bell is also unavailable for the clash with Haiti after suffering a calf injury, although the coaching staff remain optimistic about his short-term recovery.

Despite the setbacks, Bazeley is hopeful that both players will be fit in time for New Zealand’s World Cup opener against Iran on June 15. However, their absence from the warm-up fixtures has complicated the team’s preparations in midfield.

“It’s unfortunate that Ryan probably won’t get the opportunity to put himself forward in these next two games, while others will have that chance,” Bazeley said. “That doesn’t help his situation, but we know he’s a quality player.”

The New Zealand manager remains confident in Thomas’ abilities but acknowledged that missing valuable match minutes ahead of the tournament is far from ideal as the squad finalises its plans for the World Cup.

With Thomas and Bell unavailable, captain Alex Rufer is expected to partner promising youngster Lachlan Bayliss in midfield alongside regular starter Marko Stamenić when New Zealand face Haiti in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Bazeley indicated that he intends to rotate heavily during the friendly, giving the majority of his squad valuable game time as preparations for the World Cup intensify. Haiti, meanwhile, are preparing for their first appearance at the tournament since making their debut in 1974.

New Zealand will continue their World Cup campaign in a challenging group that also includes Egypt and Belgium. The tournament marks the All Whites’ return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they famously completed the competition unbeaten.