After the tournament he aims to reflect on his Pro Journey, evaluate his performances and weigh his options for 2025
The 31-year-old center back was injured in a tackle during England’s first full training session in South Africa, barely a week before England’s opener against the United States in Rustenburg on June 12.
Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, who was cut from the preliminary 30-man squad on Tuesday, has been put on standby as a possible replacement for Ferdinand.
Under FIFA rules, players can be replaced up to the day before the opening game.
“The bad news is in the last moment of the training, Rio suffered a problem with the knee,” England coach Fabio Capello said. “He has just gone to hospital for a scan. We hope it will not be so bad an injury but we have Michael Dawson on call.
“It came from a minor tackle during the training. How bad is it? We will have to wait and see.”
If Ferdinand is ruled out of the tournament, Matthew Upson or Ledley King, who has chronic knee problems, would likely take his starting spot in central defense alongside John Terry.
Ferdinand had another injury-restricted season for Manchester United. Plagued by a long-standing back problem, the defender was restricted to just 12 starts for United.
Another concern for Capello is the fitness of injury-prone goalkeeper David James, who was unable to train with his teammates at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus and had to work separately in the gym.
James is competing for the starting spot with Robert Green and Joe Hart.
“David James has a little problem with the knee after a long flight,” Capello said. “It is not such a big problem.”
But there was more positive news regarding Gareth Barry, with the midfielder training for the first time since injuring his right ankle a month ago.
The ligament damage sustained by Barry playing for Manchester City on May 5 made him a doubt for inclusion in the 23-man World Cup squad, but he made the cut after a medical check on Tuesday.
“We have to wait day-by-day to see what happens with the ankle,” Capello said. “The work is harder everyday, stronger everyday.
“In the afternoons he trains in the gym with the physio and in the morning with the team, but not completely with the team. We have to be careful with every moment and make sure the ankle is really good.”
After the tournament he aims to reflect on his Pro Journey, evaluate his performances and weigh his options for 2025
As Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah speaks for the first time after the deadly blasts, Israeli fighter jets roared over Beirut, with sonic booms shaking buildings and sending residents scrambling for cover
If favourable market conditions continue, prices could reach between $2,600 and $2,800 over the next 12 months, says expert
One stranded expat went three days without eating and survived off water at mosques
UAE-based international boutique developer unveils flagship project, blending innovation, AI, community and sustainability amid growing international investor interest
One fan arrived at the mall as early as 5am and waited until he was allowed to enter; others turned up unaware of new rules that they should have a reservation to get a device
Winds will be light to moderate but may sometimes turn brisk during the day
Some experts feel the new initiative may be a 'bandage solution' to a complex issue