In this space of the afternoon (local time), both Didier Drogba (pictured) and Rio Ferdinand have become serious doubts for the impending World Cup. Drogba fractured his elbow in a friendly against Japan in Switzerland and has been officially ruled out of the World Cup by Côte d’Ivoire. Ferdinand has suffered yet another knee injury, this time as captain of England in the very first bit of training in South Africa. Obviously injuries always influence the outcome of a World Cup, but these are two very high profile cases just a week ahead of the opening game.
Update: Rio Ferdinand is in fact out of the World Cup with Michael Dawson replacing him on the 23-man roster. Next question is whether or not John Terry gets the England captaincy back, and if not, who will be the new skipper.