World Cup Roster Shuffle: Edmilson and others Out with Injuries

May 31st, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

The injury bug has spread to Brazil’s World Cup team with the announcement today that midfielder Edmilson will not be fully recovered in time from a knee injury to play in Germany. Taking his spot on the roster is Mineiro, who toils largely in obscurity for Brazilian side São Paulo. You’ll recall that Edmilson played in every match for Brazil in 2002, filling a few different roles for the champions.

The bad news isn’t limited to the tournament holders.

Japan defender Makoto Tanaka appears unlikely to recover in time from a pulled hamstring. He’ll probably be replaced by Teruyuki Moniwa, but FIFA will have the final say in that matter. Tanaka was pegged as a possible starter for Japan so this is a bit of a blow for their backline.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Silvio Spann has been dropped because he also has a hamstring that doesn’t feel so pleasant. He will be replaced by Evans Wise, who has not one, but two healthy hamstrings.

Meanwhile, Spain is unhappy with Chelsea because the club didn’t tell the country about the extent of the injury to defender Asier del Horno. Mariano Pernia is expected to take del Horno’s spot pending FIFA approval.

The news is better for Sweden’s Freddy Ljungberg, who is back training despite having an absurdly painful foot injury that makes me squeamish just reading about it.

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

Ze Roberto

That is bad news about Edmilson. He is a handy player for Brasil.
chris

Why wouldn’t Spain just ask the player in question about the extent of his injury.
Antonio

Too bad for Edmilson! He is a well rounded player!
http://www.viuasfotos.com/euler.htm Euler

I agree, Ze and Antonio. He will be missed. :(
michel

first off… del horno is garbage. spain is fortunate, whether they acknowledge it or not, because del horno’s lack of skill can only take away from the genius of puyol.

everybody has expressed the shame in not having mr eto’o at the world cup. poor senegal. the real misfortune is that his teammate, ludovic giuly of barcelona, has been left of france;s squad. apparently the new coach has turned to astrology to assist in the selection of the team. choosing against the likes of giuly, for men like dhorasoo in the midfield is ridiculous. it’s a good thing the manager doesnt have a 32 year old average defender for a son, as does the coach for s&m, because he would have likely been chosen to the 2006 editiones des bleus as well.