Stars suffer injury trouble

Even before a ball has been kicked at the World Cup in South Africa, several of the game's biggest stars have been struck down by injury.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jun 2010, 10:58 BST
Updated 9th Jun 2010, 10:58 BST

David Beckham (England, Achilles): The 34-year-old former national team captain was all set to become the first England player to appear at four World Cups when he ruptured his Achilles tendon playing for AC Milan.

Rio Ferdinand (England, knee): Suffered a knee injury in the closing moments of England's first training session in South Africa.

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Michael Ballack (Germany, ankle): Hobbled off with ligament damage at Wembley following a challenge by Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng during the FA Cup final.

Michael Essien (Ghana, knee): Has not played for Chelsea since December because of a knee problem.

Nani (Portugal, collar bone): The Manchester United winger damaged his collar bone in training and has been ruled out of the tournament.

John Obi Mikel (Nigeria, knee): The third of Chelsea's World Cup crocks also suffered a knee problem, and underwent minor surgery in May.

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Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, broken arm): Suffered a broken arm during a friendly against Japan – leaving the striker in a race against time to be fit to play in South Africa.

Arjen Robben (Holland, hamstring): Winger Robben is battling to recover from a torn hamstring suffered during a friendly win over Hungary.

Related topics:David BeckhamSouth AfricaEnglandPortsmouthPortugal