Fabio Capello’s worst nightmare is becoming a reality: Rio Ferdinand’s injury is a serious one and the 32 year old captain of England will miss the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Ferdinand got injured on England’s very first practice on South African soil, and now doctors say he needs a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to recover from the injury.
Michael Dawson of Tottenham has already been called in to replace Rio Ferdinand after this unlucky injury, and the player is flying to South Africa today to join the rest of the team. Steven Gerrard has also taken up the role of the captain for England since Ferdinand has been forced to withdraw. “These are terrible news and everyone on the team is sad and disappointed for Rio,” says Capello. “It was a regular practice injury that has nothing to do with the condition of the field.”
Rio Ferdinand got injured on June 4 2010 on England’s first practice in South Africa during preparations for the World Cup 2010 that starts next Friday. Manchester United’s defender had to leave practice when his leg was in pain, and immediately was rushed to the hospital for more tests. Ferdinand’s injury is definitely a huge blow to England, and sets the team back physically and mentally less than a week before the World Cup 2010 kicks off.
“I feel like I have been cursed,” said Ferdinand through an official announcement by his manager. “I don’t understand why this is happening to me, this injury has nothing to do with other past injuries. Was something completely different and definitely bad luck. Rio was fresh and ready for the World Cup 2010, he was expecting so much from this tournament and to help England reach the top. He is very strong and will come back, I am sure in four years Ferdinand will be ready to lead England during the next World Cup tournament.”
Rio Ferdinand only played 13 Premier League games last season for Manchester United due to a back injury, but it seems that Ferdinand’s injury is different this time making it unable to recover on time.