New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has revealed that defensive duo Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid are likely to miss their nation's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Tahiti on Friday.

Queens Park Rangers centre-back Nelsen is suffering with a knee problem, while Reid of West Ham United has a back injury.

"We'll work around Winston and Ryan being with us in Christchurch because I think the timing will mean they won't make it to Tahiti," Herbert said. "It will be a chance for some other players to step up which will be good and I think we'll be fine.

"I'm comfortable with the depth of the squad and we have a couple of different pairings that can play at the back."

The pair are expected to be fit for the return fixture next Wednesday.