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Wellington (ANTARA News / Reuters) - New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert will not risk striker Chris Killen who has a calf injury weaknesses, in the warm-up match against Slovenia on Friday.

Middlesbrough attacker is expected to begin in Maribor laganya after spending a team victory "All Whites" over Serbia last Saturday because he had married in England.

"We passed two important matches and it is time to protect it," said Herbert.

"The most important thing is that I avoid injuries so we should be very careful. I'm not too interested in the score," he said.

With the absence of Killen who must postpone their honeymoon until the completion of the World Cup, means that West Bromwich Albion player, Chris Wood, will take his place.

Despite claims will retain the same team as when defeating Serbia, Herbert has not determined the composition of players for the World Cup opening match against Slovakia on June 15 in Rustenburg.

"We're going to pitch with a stable team," said Herbert.

"In line behind me thought it was important to put Winston Reid and Tommy Smith, but still there was rivalry with Ivan Vicelich and Ben Sigmund. Both players will also have time to compete in the heating or against Chile," he said.

In Group F of New Zealand will face defending champions Italy and Paraguay in the tournament that was held June 11 to 11 July.