By TRAVIS CLARK
With just one week until the start of the World Cup, England's campaign may have suffered a setback as Rio Ferdinand injured his knee in training on Friday.
The extent of the injury is still unknown, but was severe enough to send England's captain to the hospital for a scan. Joining Ferdinand on the sidelines was goalkeeper David James, who sat out a training session with a minor knee injury.
(UPDATE- The Guardian is reporting that Ferdinand will miss the World Cup with ligament damage in his left knee.)
England did get some good news on the injury front with Gareth Barry rejoining the team for training, though he's expected to be unavailable against the USA.
Here's a look at a few other stories for Friday morning:
Drogba hurt in win against Japan
Chelsea and Ivory Coast hit man Didier Drogba came off in the 18th minute of the Elephants' 2-0 win over Japan, but the specific extent of his injury is unknown — some reports claiming Drogba fractured his elbow. The loss of Drogba would be hard for the Ivory Coast to overcome, considering they'll face Brazil and Portugal in the group stage.
(UPDATE- Early reports indicate that Drogba will also miss the World Cup.)
Germany wins friendly over Bosnia-Herzegovina
After going down 1-0 to Edin Dzeko's 15th minute goal, Germany stormed back to score three unanswered goals in a 3-1 friendly win against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday. Bastian Schweinsteiger netted. twice for the Germans from the penalty spot and Philipp Lahm added the third goal. Germany begins its World Cup campaign on June 13 against Australia in Durban.
Torres closes in on Spain return
Spanish striker Fernando Torres is closing in on a return to action just in time. The Liverpool attacker could get a run out in Spain's last friendly against Poland on Tuesday. Torres had surgery back in April to fix a knee injury that put his chances to play in South Africa in jeopardy. Spain plays its first group match on June 16 against Switzerland.
——-
Think the media is over-hyping England injury concerns? Will Drogba miss the World Cup? How dangerous will Germany be? Can Torres make an impact at the World Cup after his long injury lay off?
Share your thoughts below.
I don’t know man, you unconsciously use your arms to balance your body positioning in all manners on the pitch & in the air.
That’d be extremely hard to do in a soft/hard cast, not to mention the hazard it would be to opposing players.
Additionally, players have been known to fall (or dive in Drogba’s case). Given you can’t extend your arms to catch your fall…next thing you know he has a shoulder injury, etc.
Logistically, it just doesn’t seem impossible.
You and I simply disagree on the overall powerhouse, that is, England.
One player (even Ferdinand) won’t make them suddenly a lame duck. Even their B-squad would be a sincere challenge considering their overall class/depth.
I think their achilles heal/wild card is and remains their Goal Keeping, not injuries.
Many people praised Mexico’s play against England (myself included) and they’ll still lost 3-1.
Ferdinand or not, this is going to be an up-hill battle, plain and simple.
Maybe it’s just me, but why the hell can’t Drogba play with a cast? I’m sure it will still limit him, but keep him from playing entirely?
You’re joking, right? Did you watch Cara at all this season? He’s past it.