On the back of news that Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba could miss the World Cup comes news that Andrea Pirlo, midfielder for the defending champions Italy, suffered a second degree calf strain in yesterday's friendly with Mexico.
Calf Strain Has Italy Midfielder Andrea Pirlo’s World Cup 2010 In Doubt
Pirlo had an ultrasound performed on his calf and then left Italy's training camp to return to Milan. He will remain there until June 8, missing Italy's next friendly with Switzerland, before going to South Africa to be reevaluated.
Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said that Pirlo’s injury usually requires 15-20 days recovery. Italy has until June 13 to replace Pirlo in their World Cup squad.
Pirlo was one of Italy’s most important players at the 2006 World Cup. Since his 2002 debut, the Milan midfielder has been capped 65 times, scoring 8 goals.
He is expected to start in central midfield beside Roma's Daniele De Rossi. Were Pirlo unable to play, Milan's Gennaro Gattuso and Sampdoria's Angelo Palombo could see increased playing time.
See More:
