2010 World Cup: Top Stars Missing due to Injuries
An injury plagued 2010 FIFA World Cup threatens to take away some of the shine from the glory for first-time hosts South Africa. Besides many star players failing to make it to their national squads, there are many that have been shown the red flag by fate and injuries.
The tournament starts in a few days and some stars are still suffering from the misfortune of injuries. Some players that would have had a major impact on the Cup are now ruled out:
No. 7 - Charlie Davies (USA)
Charles Davies is not known by many. That is because he is a rising star from the West. Simply the best USA has at the moment. He paired up with Jozy Altidore brilliantly but their streak ended.
In October, 2009 the Yanks faced a setback when Davies was involved in a terrifying fatal accident. He trained hard for a comeback for the World Cup but coach Bob Bradley had to leave him as the players French club Sochaux didn’t give him medical clearance.
No. 6 - Michael Essien (GHANA)
One of the many captains and stars missing from this World Cup is Michael Essien. In late May he learned that his knee injury hadn’t healed and would take till July to heal.
Ghanaian fans were heart-broken but there is still hope. They can still qualify from the Group stages as they have excellent team co-ordination and never ending will power.
No. 5 - Didier Drogba (IVORY COAST)
The savior of Chelsea and Ivory Coast needs a little saving himself now. He was the top scorer in the English Premier League this season helping his team to win the title but is now a victim of a fractured elbow which has ruled him out of the Cup.
Drogba having just scored got entangled with Japanese centre back Tulio and was off the field in 15-minutes. This is not good news for the Elephants as they are placed in the toughest Group of the Cup; which includes Brazil and Portugal. He has undergone a successful operation but further training and tests will prove if he is fit enough to play the whole tournament or comeback later.
No. 4 - René Adler (GERMANY)
René Adler was the number one option for goalkeeping in the German squad. He had stabled Germany in troubling times right after Jens Lehmann retired and Robert Enke committed suicide.
Now Coach Joachim Löw has chosen Manuel Neuer as his replacement after Adler cracked his ribs.
No. 3 - Rio Ferdinand (ENGLAND)
England is another team without their regular captain, Rio Ferdinand. He had played in just thirteen English Premier League matches for Manchester United this season due to a back injury and wasn’t in-form for the friendlies. Nonetheless he was the captain and an experienced player who knew how to tackle troubling situations.
He received a tackle from teammate Emile Heskey and upon diagnosis it was clear that he had endured ligament damage and will not be able to participate in the World Cup.
No. 2 - Michael Ballack (GERMANY)
The German skipper, Michael Ballack severely damaged his medial collateral ligament during a tackle in Chelsea’s FA Cup Final victory against Portsmouth.
He would have been one of the most senior and talented players at the tournament. His presence is irreplaceable and the captaincy is now handed to Phillip Lahm.
No. 1 - David Beckham (ENGLAND)
David Beckham of The Three Lions has the aura to motivate and inspire his fellow players. He would have been hailed as captain.
He had a dual position in the team. While he could start in the midfield he could star as well as a sub. His unstoppable free kicks and his ability to make plays will be unmatchable. The additional factor of his experience can provide the match winning edge.
But misfortune has been following the maestro for some time now. His dream to become the first Englishman to have participated in 4 World Cups came crashing down when he tore his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan.
The Englishman hasn’t given up yet and he is going to South Africa to help his team as an assistant coach.
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