Brown, the vice-captain of the All Whites, fractured his shoulder in a fall during Monday's 2-1 loss to Australia in Melbourne.

After suffering the first break, a tuberosity of the humerus, when tackling Vince Grella, he then landed on the injured area again when challenging Grella once again later in the game.

He was scheduled for surgery in Auckland this morning and it is expected a clearer picture will be available on the extent of recovery he will need.

A final decision on whether he plays at the World Cup will be left for another week.

Age and fitness are on Brown's side.

New Zealand's World Cup opens against Slovakia in Rustenburg on June 15 and coach Ricki Herbert is hopeful Brown, 29, will make it back for the game, or the second against Italy on June 20.

"Tim's an integral part of the team. He's been a big part of things for the last five years and he does a great job for us. It'll be a big loss should he not make it," said Herbert.

A replacement player will travel to Austria and would replace Brown should he be unavailable for the World Cup.

The All Whites left Melbourne last night for Austria where they will have 11 days training at altitude with friendlies against Serbia on May 29 and Slovenia on June 4.