World Cup Injury Update
By Brobury Sports
German Captain out
Injuries are rearing its head in the World Cup once again. German captain Michael Ballack will miss the tournament with an ankle injury.
The midfielder had an MRI which revealed ligament damage. This is a big blow to the German team that is 4/5 favorites to win Group D, and one of the favorites (12/1) to win the whole thing. Other key injury news is as follows:
Charlie Davies, United States
Davies is out of the World Cup, after trying to make the team after recovering from an auto accident last fall. He would have been a big asset after his contributions in the Confederation Cup last June. The U.S. team often struggles to put the ball in the net in the World Cup and this is just another blow to their forwards.
The United States is 21/5 to win Group C, trailing heavily favored England (3/10). They’re 66/1 to win the World Cup.
Fernando Torres, Spain
Spain striker Fernando Torres had surgery to repair some torn knee cartilage in April. Torres teams with David Villa to form the top striker tandem in the World Cup, but how much will that be affected due to this injury?
Spain is the big 1/4 favorite to win Group H and the favorite to win the World Cup at 4/1.
David Beckham, England
Beckham will not play in the World Cup after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in March. The 34-year-old is a former captain and would have been the first England player to compete in four straight World Cups.
This was more of a blow for Beckham himself as he likely would not have started anyhow.
Wayne Rooney, England
Rooney is the potential bigger injury news for England. He re-injured his groin, although he should be fine for the opening match against the United States. Rooney has also been dealing with a nagging ankle injury.
England is the heavy 3/10 favorite to win Group C and 6/1 to win the World Cup, only trailing Spain (4/1) and Brazil (5/1).