Rio Ferdinand to miss World Cup
Posted on 07. Jun, 2010 by admin in Football Betting
England captain Rio Ferdinand will miss out on this summer’s South African World Cup after obtaining ligament damage to his left knee during their first training session after arrival.
Tottenham’s Michael Dawson will fly out to replace Ferdinand, who has been ruled out for six weeks.
The 31-year-old will be replaced as captain for the rest of the tournament by Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard.
“Everyone with the squad is very disappointed and sorry for Rio,” said England manager Fabio Capello.
“It was an accidental injury in training, but had nothing to do with the pitch.”
Ferdinand was injured in a “normal challenge” on striker Emile Heskey and was sent to the Fearncrest hospital in Rustenburg for a scan of the leg.
His replacement, Michael Dawson, has enjoyed a season on fine form at Spurs as they finished fourth in the Premier League, however, he is yet to win a cap at international level.
“It’s a crazy game and things can change in a split second,” said Dawson.
“One minute I’m trying to arrange my holiday, then I get a call asking if I was on holiday because Rio had pulled out of training.
“I said ‘no’ and then I was just waiting by the phone before getting a call saying I would be picked up in an hour.
“I’ll be going out there still having not yet won a senior cap, so where better place to get one if that was to happen.”
He also told Tottenham’s website: “For Rio to get injured, there would be no worse feeling for him as a player. To miss the biggest tournament in the world as the captain, I feel for him. ”
England start their World Cup campaign against the US on June 12th. William Hill and bet 365 give Fabio Capello’s side 4/9 odds of victory in their first game, while Victor Chandler set their odds at 2/5.