By AVI CREDITOR
The World Cup infirmary has been getting more crowded by the day, but three nations have received good news on the injury front as the tournament approaches.
Mexico's Rafael Marquez, Serbia's Nemanja Vidic and Slovakia's Martin Skrtel all are on the comeback trail and seem likely to be ready for their respective World Cup openers.
Marquez, who injured his right leg in Mexico's friendly with Italy, returned to training Monday, the first time that El Tri has trained in South Africa with its entire 23-man roster present, according to the Associated Press.
Vidic, key to Serbia's central defense, is still not training while recovering from a virus, but manager Radomir Antic expressed his confidence in Vidic's ability to be ready for Serbia's opener against Ghana.
Skrtel received a clean bill of health on his ankle, after tests showed that there was no tissue or ligament damage. Initial fears were that he would have to miss the entire tournament, but he appears to be fit for Slovakia's opener against New Zealand.
WHITECAPS TO UNVEIL NEW CREST
The Vancouver Whitecaps will join Major League Soccer next season, and the next step in that process takes place at 11:30 a.m. when the team reveals its new crest.
Whitecaps diehards and anyone else interested in seeing MLS' newest team logo can view the ceremony live here.
ENGLAND INJURY UPDATES
James Milner sat out training for England on Tuesday as he recovers from an illness. He played in Monday's friendly against Platinum Stars, but reportedly had a temperature and missed practice. With Gareth Barry declaring himself out for Saturday's game against the United States, Milner would be a candidate for some playing time in England's World Cup opener.
Barry returned to full training for the Three Lions but is still expected to miss Saturday's match.
Goalkeeper David James is still dealing with a knee injury and trained lightly on Tuesday. He did not play in Monday's friendly, and Fabio Capello hasn't named a starter in goal for Saturday yet.
MANCHESTER CITY RELEASES A FEW
Manchester City is gearing up for the summer transfer period by releasing six players on Tuesday. Among those who won't be at Eastlands next season are Martin Petrov, Sylvinho and Benjani. The team figures to be a big player when the transfer market opens, and among the rumors swirling is a Robinho-for-Ibrahimovic swap with Barcelona.
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What do you make of all the injury news? Excited for Vancouver to join MLS? Who would you like to see start in goal for England? Could you see Robinho at Barcelona working out?
Share your thoughts below.