He really is injured, honest.
Over the past few weeks, the anticipation is reaching unprecedented levels as the 2010 World Cup edges ever closer. Unfortunately, there have been an unusually high number of injuries to numerous high profile stars. The African teams have been particularly hit with Chelsea duo Michael Essien and Jon Obi Mikel absent for Ghana and Nigeria respectively, and Ivory Coast talisman Didier Drogba struggling with a suspected broken elbow. Injuries are common place in football, which is still, despite the attempts of many referees, a contact sport. However some players will be missing the marquee event in rather different, and in some cases, tragic circumstances.
Roman and Diego a long time ago.
Juan Roman Riqeulme (Boca Juniors & Argentina): Much has been written about the suspected fragile relationship between Argentina coach Diego Maradona and star turn Lionel Messi, that the former is intent on holding the latter back to preserve his status as the greatest Argentine footballer of them all. Another former No. 10 for La Albiceleste is Riquelme, considered the greatest mortal player in Boca Juniors history. Maradona and Riquelme had a huge and very personal falling out last year. The dispute even managed to split Boca fans into rival camps. Neither man is willing to budge. This stand-off ensures that the coach will miss out on the midfield playmaker he craves, nor will the player get another chance to display his masterful talents on the world stage. It really is a crying shame for all concerned.
Ronaldinho (AC Milan & Brazil): The fleet-footed Brazilian’s renaissance in Italy for the Rossonari was not enough convince pragmatic national team coach Carlos Dunga he was worthy of a place in A Seleção ‘s 23-man squad for South Africa. While the buck-toothed maestro was nowhere near the levels of his 2004-2006 form, one would have thought with no like for like
A rather unflattering portrait.
replacement for Kaka, that there would have been space for Ronaldinho instead of one of the defensive midfielders that engulf the squad. The ever stubborn Dunga ignored a huge media campaign back home in Brazil demanding a recall, and will have disappointed sponsors Nike as one of the game’s most distinguished faces will not be on show.
Freddy Adu (Aris Thessaloniki & USA): As feel good stories go, it was too good to be true. Born in Ghana, moved to America as an eight year old after his mother won the Green Card Lottery, turned professional aged 13, became the MLS’ highest paid player before he played a game, debut at 14, an international at 16. Young Adu really had the world at his feet. However, since moving to Europe in 2007, he has struggled in stints at employers Benfica whilst loan spells at Monaco, Beleneneses and Aris Thessaloniki haven’t brought the regular football that the attacker craves. Questions have been asked about the legitimate nature of his documents, with cynics suggesting that the 21-year-old isn’t a 21-year-old after all. Coaches have criticised his tactical awareness and doubted whether he has the physical capacity to make the grade in Europe. 2010 was supposed to be the year Adu announced himself as one for the here and now, rather than the future. He failed to make the US provisional squad, but time is on his side. How much though remains to be seen.
Charlie Davies (Sochanx & USA): Charlie Davies is not too miffed at missing the World Cup. The New Hampshire native is thankful to still be alive after surviving a horrific car crash in October, in which killed one of the occupants of the dismantled vehicle. Determined to make this summer’s finals, Davies set himself goals in order to give myself the best chance of lining up in South Africa. Alas, it is not to be, with the severity of the striker’s injuries too much to have facilitated a June recovery. His busy presence will be missed by the Americans, especially the understanding he built up with Jozy Altidore has they tormented Spain in last year’s Confederations Cup.
Salvador Cabanas (Club America and Paraguay): Another player who is extremely lucky to still to be with us. The 29-year-old was shot in the head following an incident in the restroom in a bar in Mexico City in January.
Cabanas: On the mend.
There are contrasting stories of what actually happened, but the fact remains that Cabanas has a bullet lodged in his skull that shall remain there for the rest of his life. Paraguay’s top scorer in qualifying with six goals, he will be missed by his side in South Africa. His team-mates will look at their powerful front-man as a source of inspiration such is the miracle of this recovery. His doctor, Lisandro Olmos suggested that 80% of victims of such a shooting die instantly, with only 3% of survivors having any sort of quality of life afterwards. Cabanas is already kicking a ball again, but has only taken babysteps on the long road to recovery.
Brad Jones (Middlesbrough and Australia): The Aussie goalkeeper has been forced to forfeit his place at the finals in the most horrific circumstances imaginable; to care for his four-year old son who has been diagnosed with leukaemia. All there is too say is that we wish young Luca a speedy recovery and once again reminds us all that it really is only a game.
