The defender was one of the surprise successes of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and led the All Whites through an incredible campaign.
New Zealand failed to make it out of the group stage but were the only team to leave South Africa unbeaten after drawing all three games.
They will now face fellow World Cup finalists Honduras in Albany on October 9 and Paraguay in Wellington three days later.
Blackburn Rovers captain Nelsen says he is keen to be involved but can’t confirm his availability.
Asked if he would play by New Zealand station Radio Sport, he said: “Most likely. I’ll try to get back, it will be two really good games.
“We’ve got to refocus. The All Whites had a goal with the World Cup, now it’s time to refocus and plan for the next big thing.”
Whether Nelsen will be around to be part of that long-term plan remains to be seen.
Now that the dust has settled on the Kiwis’ historic World Cup campaign, the 32-year-old wants to take some time to work out whether his body can stand the long trips home to represent his country.
“I don’t want to make any rash decisions because I will be a long time retired,” he told FIFA.com. “I need a bit of time to think through what I am going to do.
“I am not getting any younger but I love playing for New Zealand and the whole World Cup experience has left such a positive impact. New Zealand has got a lot of really good, promising young players coming through and it is quite fun, as an older player, helping these guys to progress.”
Nelsen has never made any secret of the draining effect flying halfway around the world and back again in the space of a week has on his body. After Blackburn spent part of their pre-season in Australia, manager Sam Allardyce is now aware of what it is like too and Nelsen is expecting some quiet advice from his manager.
“Now the manager has done one of those longer trips he will probably be knocking on my door asking me to retire,” Nelsen said with a smile.
If Nelsen did decide to call it a day, at least he would have the memories of South Africa to look back on, and a place in New Zealand football folklore. Not that he has spent too much time thinking about it, nor does he want the achievements to stand alone.
“It was obviously an amazing experience. You don’t really enjoy it at the time because there is so much pressure. It is intense and everybody is watching. Afterwards when you sit back and think about it, it is something that will live long in the memory.
“But in all honesty, I hope people aren’t talking about it forever,” he added. “We have got some excellent young players and I hope we will better it in four years’ time. That is the goal. That is the standard this team has set. It is a really high standard. Now it has to be bettered.”
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