World Cup Tour news: Fabio Capello set for knee surgery

05/01/2010

England coach Fabio Capello may be hoping that his leading players steer clear of the surgeon's knife before embarking on this summer's World Cup tour, but he has not been so fortunate himself.

The Italian is to undergo a knee replacement procedure this week, having struggled with problems in the joint since his playing days with Roma, Juventus, AC Milan and Italy.

Capello, 63, delayed the surgery so that he could attend the draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, which saw England placed in a group with the USA, Algeria and Slovenia.

He expects to be fit to return to coaching duties in time for England's friendly against Egypt in March and also hopes to be able to travel to Warsaw for the Euro 2012 draw in February.

During Capello's recuperation, his right hand man Franco Baldini will continue preparations for England's World Cup tour by travelling to watch Algeria in action in the African Cup of Nations.

Algeria will be England's second opponents in the World Cup finals, in a match due to take place in Cape Town on June 16th 2010.