So in just 49 Days time all eyes will be on South Africa as the first World Cup on the African continent kicks off. It's a special moment for Fifa and all eyes will be placed on the South Africans who kick off against the Mexicans. But that’s 49 days away and for a player the important thing is to get on that plane before it leaves for South Africa, so in this World Football Blog I will be looking at some talent who maybe planning some holidays around June, instead of indulging of the fun and games around soccer city. You maybe surprised to hear but some real stalwarts of the game could be missing come the 11th of June.
Thierry Henry.
That’s right the mercial striker who is fond of a spot of handball could be missing out on the tournament all together. After quite literally taking France by the hand to the World Cup Henry is not guaranteed his position in the squad. Last week French coach Raymond Domenich refused to confirm if Henrys place was safe after an indifferent season thus far at Barca, being preferred by Pep Guardiola to young Spanish winger Pedro.
Franck Ribery.
More Surprisingly Monsieur Ribery could be out of the running for les Blues if the French authorities have their way. Ribery is currently embroiled in a sex scandal in his native France, after it was alleged that he had sex with an underage prostitute. Former French star Sidney Govou is also implicated in this mess, and so far the French Football Federation has failed to comment on the story. But if found guilty of this the winger could be doing a long stretch in a French prison rather than being at the World Cup (insert own starting attack from behind joke here)
Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
It seems our favourite equine looking striker may not make it to South Africa . The prolific Dutch striker looks like he is set for a long Summer on a nice beach, after moving to Hamburg in January to secure his world cup place he has hardly set the world alight with a tally of 8 goals so far this season. With a rejuvenated Robin Van Persie returning from a long term ankle injury and with Arjen Robben & Wesley Snider on fine form in the Champions league and with the final space likely going to Klaas Jan Huntelaar. It seems Rudd is out in the cold, maybe some goal scoring feats in the up coming Europa league Semi Final could save him.
Harry Kewell
Poor old Harry Kewell, He had a torrid time during his time at Liverpool with knee injuries and never quite showed his form that made him stand out at Leeds United. He was promptly shipped out to Turkish side Galatasaray where he has played along other slightly average Premier League rejects Milan Baros & Shabani Nonda (remember him) Under the guidance of former Barca manager Frank Rijkaard. Kewell has struggled with a groin injury for 5 months now, and is now just returning to fitness could the winger capture the glory days at Leeds? Probably not, but the race is on to get into Pim Verbeek’s side.
Fernando Torres.
Let’s not beat around the bush. Liverpool has had an absolute car crash of a season this year. From a team who looked like champions elect last season to bumbling idiots who have suffered defeats to Reading, Sunderland (with the aid of a beach ball) and Wigan. This comes in part to poor little El Niño suffering regular break downs of a knee injury. He could be a real doubt for the European Champions in South Africa; he is currently out of the Liverpool's pathetic season & recovering nicely from knee surgery. Vicente Del Bosque and the whole of Spain wait with baited breath.
Ivica Dragutinovic
It's not all about the Strikers and wingers who won’t be making it to the World Cup this year. Tough tackling defender Ivica Dragutinovic bar some divine miracle will certainly miss Serbia's campaign as he has torn his Achilles tendon in training for current club Sevilla. It comes as a real blow for the Serbs who will be appearing in the World Cup for the first time as an independent nation. They certainly done well in qualification in piping France to first place, but in a group with Germany & Ghana will they even progress?
William Gallas.
Surprise surprise, France seems set to implode this summer if you have your ear to the ground. Big Willie has been ruled out of Arsenals season a few weeks ago. Will he make it in time for the World cup? The sulky French men suffered a reoccurrence of a calf injury against Barcelona in the crunch champions Quarter final match for the Gooners. However it might not be all doom and gloom in defence for the French, as Philippe Mexes has had a strong season for a resurgent Roma whilst the much marlined Jean-Alain Boumsong of Newcastle fame is now actually quite handy. He's put in some steady performances for Lyon in the Champions League this season and could be the calm head in Raymond Domenech's crumbling side.
So that is that. So let's see how this motley crew get on come the 11th of June, In my next blog I will take a closer look and some young talents who some of the bigger clubs could be clambering for in the summer.
