Football: Teams battle injuries as Euro looms closer
Yann M’Vila will remain with the France squad after an MRI scan revealed that his injury is not a serious one. The 21-year-old holding midfielder injured himself in the first minute of France’s 2-0 friendly win over Serbia.
“The MRI confirmed that it’s a moderately serious sprain, without aggravating factors,” read a French Football Federation (FFF) statement. “It’s running its course, there are no complications.”
The FFF also said that goal-keeper Steve Mandanda, who had injured his right toe, was fit to play, but an MRI scan on midfielder Blaise Matuidi revealed that he has sustained ‘a minor tear to his right hamstring’.
There was positive news for the Czech Republic too as captain Tomas Rosicky resumed full training after struggling with a calf injury boosting his side as they prepare for Friday’s opener against Russia. Croatia were, however, dealt a severe blow as veteran striker Ivica Olic was ruled out of Euro 2012 with a thigh injury, the country’s football federation announced.
Meanwhile England, who already lost Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry to injuries, suffered another setback with the news of Gary Cahill’s jaw injury that ruled him out of the tournament. Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Martin Kelly have been called in as replacements.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 5th, 2012.
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