Rio Ferdinand suffers World Cup 2010 injury scare

04/06/2010

England defender Rio Ferdinand has been taken to hospital after sustaining a knee strain during a squad training session for the 2010 World Cup.

The Manchester United centre-half was dogged by persistent back trouble during the domestic season and is now the subject of a last-minute injury scare after taking a knock to his left knee, just a week before the tournament is due to get underway.

Manager Fabio Capello admitted to being unsure about the full extent of the problem, saying: "Rio picked up a knee problem in training. It happened near the end. He has gone to hospital for a scan and we will have to see how things are."

Ferdinand's injury could open the door for Tottenham man Michael Dawson, who was omitted from Capello's final squad for the World Cup 2010 despite earning considerable praise for his Premier League performances last term.

Last month, Liverpool player Jamie Carragher expressed willingness to adapt to whichever position he is told to play in.

Posted by Keith Prowse