2010 World Cup: English defence further weakened by King’s injury, Capello to make new plans
English Coach Fabio Capello must be thinking - when will the magical spells on England’s players getting injured come to an end? Just a match into the FIFA World Cup this summer in South Africa and his variety for selection is reduced even further as he has to rule out key players in his starting line up once again.
The latest edition to the group of English injuries is Tottenham Hotspur’s defender Ledley King. Rumours are travelling like wild fire around the footballing community that King who encountered a groin injury in the 1-1 draw against United States of America in the World Cup opener now might have a worsened case of injury than earlier predicted.
Initial reports after the USA match on Saturday have revealed that the English player has a strong chance of being ruled out of the World Cup. There were assumptions after the match that the star will make a full recovery however these chances have thinned out at an alarming rate.
There is still a slight possibility that he might make a comeback but that would be well into the tournament. In the match against USA, the defender was replaced by Liverpool’s and England’s centre back Jamie Carragher. The team doctors have told that the defender explained it to them that he was feeling rigidity in his muscles and after examination, England have now confirmed that there is a muscle tear, which could keep him out of action for two to three weeks.
The medics at the instant had given early statements about the King being available for their nest game against Algeria, but now the ‘three lions’ will have to venture out without the services of King.
The team doctors have explained that the muscle tear in the is in the groin therefore it will be a bit unpredictable to judge the healing rate but it should take about three weeks and King won’t be cleared at least till the end of the group stages. They then added that they will however keep an eye on it on a daily basis and monitor the healing process daily and send in reports to the coach.
The approximate date of his return given by the national side’s doctors is when England progress in ideal fashion, they will be reaching the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, it would not be wise to risk King in the game at such an important stage and especially when it cannot be guaranteed that he will be in full form.
England has already lost David Beckham earlier when he ruptured his Achilles’ tendon while playing for AC Milan. The star had his dream crushed to be the first Englishman to participate in four World Cups also missing out to get his share of glory to be part of the last team that probably would stage players from the ‘Golden Generation’. Beckham is still on tour with the English team as a consultant/ assistant coach in order to help the team from his experience.
England have also lost services of their skipper Rio Ferdinand who had to be sent for rest after he received a tackle from team mate that resulted in Ferdinand hurting his leg. The captain’s unpredictable exit from the tournament has given the controlling reigns to Liverpool’s captain Steven Gerrard. Gerrard had full confidence of the team and claims he will try his best to step up to everyone’s expectations.
Capello is in a black hole right now, with just Carragher, Michael Dawson and Matthew Upson to be stable the English stronghold defence along with John Terry.
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