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World Cup Injuries List Grows Longer Ahead Of June 12 Opener

By Patricia Didelot
Published on: 06:27 PST, Jun 7, 2014

The World Cup injuries list continues to grow longer with each friendly match ahead of next Thursday, June 12’s opener. We are not talking about obscure, lower level players.

Many of those suffering from devastating injuries are unfortunately being left out of the World Cup as there is no time to recover and some are so badly hurt that they need surgery.

One of the worst injuries we have seen — not just in the World Cup friendlies — is the one suffered last weekend by Mexico’s Luis Montes, who broke his leg in two parts while clashing with Ecuador’s Segundo Castillo in a recent match. Both nations are attending Brazil 2014.

As in any other major international tournament, especially the ones that happen every four years, anticipation is great and the players that end up being selected have had to beat extreme odds to make it on the final squad. Suffering from an injury that ends their World Cup dreams is nothing short of devastating.

In Montes’ case, it was quite clear that he would not be able to play in the World Cup after suffering one of the most horrific injuries in recent memory. Take a look, with caution, the image is graphic.

Manager Luis Herrera has struggled in World Cup friendlies since Monte’s injury. Even though Mexico won against Ecuador, they could not hold off Bosnia or Portugal and will head to Brazil with many questions.

On Friday, Germany also suffered a blow when midfielder Marco Reus suffered an injury that tore up ligaments in his ankle. This will effectively keep him out of the World Cup, though his team won 6-1 against a much weaker Bosnia.

France suffered a major setback after the team announced striker Franck Ribéry is out of the World Cup with a back injury. Not only that, midfielder Clement Grenier was also ruled out with a thigh injury.

This is devastating news for the 1998 World Cup Champions, as Ribéry is considered one of the best wingers in the world and was one of three finalist — alongside winner Ronaldo and runner-up Messi — for the Ballon D’Or in 2014.

Russia is also facing difficulties after captain Roman Shirokov was ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury that has been bothering him since April, this is likely his last tournament as he is 32.

Russia manager Fabio Capello said:

“Shirokov is a very important member of Russia’s squad but I hope that the rest of the players will be able to perform at their best level in Brazil.”

Adding to the growing list of starters that are getting hit with dream-ending injuries ahead of next week’s World Cup is the doubtful condition of one of the best players on Earth. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, is suffering from two problems with his leg. He is hoping to be fit by the time his country faces the dangerous Germany.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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