Injury comes at a bad time for New Zealand striker

All Whites striker Brent Fisher has his right leg in plaster up to his knee after injuring his ankle while playing for Sydney National Soccer League (NSL) side Northern Spirit and is unlikely to play again before Christmas.

It is a huge blow for the former Christchurch City national league player, who made his All Whites debut on the recent European tour.

"It couldn't have come at a worse time," Fisher, 19, said today from his Sydney base.

"Things were going so well, and then this happens."

X-rays have revealed a small fracture in the ankle, but no major break. He will have a scan today to check on the extent of the ligament damage.

"Unless there is some really good news, it looks as though I will be out for at least four weeks," he said.

New Zealand's Young Player of the Year last season, Fisher will miss the high profile Christchurch City International Cup later this month against under-20 teams from Mexico, Peru and Uruguay.

The injury also rules him out of the New Zealand under-20 team for the Oceania world championship qualifying tournament in Fiji.

However, he expects to be available for the All Whites' home and away matches against Asian champion Iran early next year.

Fisher scored his first NSL goal for Northern Spirit against Perth Glory on Friday night, but was then caught in a robust tackle by Perth defender Scott Miller. Miller was booked for the incident, but Fisher bears no grudge against him.

"It wasn't a bad tackle. I just got caught by the defender as I turned, and rolled my ankle. Now, I have just got to make sure I get it right before I play again," he said.

Meanwhile, there is some concern over the lack of playing time All Whites skipper Chris Zoricich is getting for NSL team Newcastle.

Zoricich, expected to lead New Zealand in the Confederations Cup tournament in France next year, was not on the card for Adelaide last weekend.