By FRANCO PANIZO
Franck Ribery recently said he could be as good as Leo Messi if he kept himself injury-free this coming season.
Well, so much for that.
Ribery could miss the start of the Bundesliga season after picking up an ankle injury during Bayern Munich's training session on Sunday. The knock was originally believed to be nothing but a sprain, but now it has been determined that Ribery suffered ligament damage. Ribery, who admitted his injury dismay to reporters, will now have to wear a cast for the next five days before being assessed again.
The ankle injury is just the latest setback for oft-injured Ribery, who seems likely to miss Bayern's season opener against Borussia Moenchengladbach on August 7.
Here are more stories from around the soccer world:
VILLA CLOSE IN ON N'ZOGBIA CAPTURE
Charles N'Zgobia is on the brink of becoming a member of Aston Villa after the club agreed to a transfer fee with his current club, Wigan Athletic. The fee is estimated to be about $15.4 million. New Villans manager Alex McLeish has long eyed N'Zogbia, having nearly signed the Frenchman while in charge of Birmingham City.
MARTINO TO DECIDE ON PARAGUAY FUTURE ON THURSDAY
Paraguay manager Gerardo Martino will tell team officials on whether he plans to stay with the team or not on Thursday. An Argentine, Martino has been linked with coaching Argentina's national team, which just finished a disappointing Copa America campaign at home. Martino led Paraguay to the tournament final, where Uruguay prevailed 3-0.
PSG SIGNS TWO FRENCH INTERNATIONALS, SERBIAN DEFENDER
Paris Saint-Germain has signed French internationals Jeremy Menez and Blaise Matuidi. Menez, a 24-year-old winger, and Matuidi, a 24-year-old defensive midfielder, join the French heavyweight from AS Roma and Saint Etienne, respectively. Both players made their debuts with France's national team in 2010. PSG also announced the capture of Serbia defender Milan Bisevac, who like Menez and Matuidi has joined the club on a three-year deal.
ORLANDO CITY AFTER ALAN SMITH
Newcastle United's Alan Smith could seen be playing in the United States. but it wouldn't be in MLS. Orlando City S.C., of the USL Pro Division, has revealed its interest in Smith after the former England international expressed how much he enjoys time in Orlando. Despite the interest, Smith still has another year on his current contract and is keen to play it out. Newcastle recently played Orlando City in a friendly, but the Premiership team lost, 1-0.
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What do you think of Ribery's latest injury? Impressed by Villa's looming capture of N'Zogbia? Should Martino continue coaching Paraguay or move on for greener pastures?
Share your thoughts below.
This isnt MLS 1.0 anymore…Miami has the diversity to make this happen
+1, Dude can’t catch a break
“They call me Mr. Glass.”
According to that picture I think he tore his SACK. lol
I think hookers are to blame.
ORLANDO CITY AFTER ALAN SMITH
… wait, wut?
Gee, Newcastle were willing to put in a £12 million bid for him on the last day of the last transfer window but won’t do 10 now. It means he knew the bid was going to be rejected then which was the only reason he made it.
Yeah, the Andy Carroll money went right back into the team, just that an equivalent amount of money has gone from the team’s revenue streams.
He’s got to be on around £60,000 a week with Newcastle.
Ouch, indeed. I was going to make the exact same joke.
Miami didn’t work out so well the first time around. With Miami University and the Dolphins in town everything else gets squeezed out. Even the Marlins had terrible attendance in years they won the world series.
Regarding Ribery’s injury, I’m surprised that it wasn’t his groin after seeing that photo. Ouch.
Alan Smith willing to work for less than $100,000.
Haha, ouch. Orlando City beat Newcastle?? That’s not too bad. I remember he had some great years with Man U. What a great player in his prime. I think it would be good for US soccer in general if they brought him in. C’mon Alan.
agree, unfortunately dude is made of glass.
Ribery, big mouth, small heart
Buying old players will not get you MLS expansion. Would rather see Miami in MLS then Orlando
In other words…after Alan Smith plays one more year for Newcastle, he will retire to Florida (as many do) and continue soccer as a hobby.
Too bad for Ribery. I’ve always been a fan of his, I LOVE the way he moves with the ball at his feet. Always thought he was due for his true breakout season.
Am I mistaken in remembering Roberto Martinez being a big Michael Bradley fan during WC2010? He needs to go sign him with some of that N’Zogbia money.