Date Published: 06/05/10

South Africa: Injuries knock out Mikel Obi, Rio Ferdinand 

Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi and England’s center half, Rio Ferdinand, have been ruled out of the world cup opening in a week.

 Mikel who had knee surgery sequel to an injury sustained while playing for his club, got knocked on that  knee during training  in South Africa

The Chelsea midfielder reportedly told team officials that ‘he did not want to put his career at risk as his knee injury 'has yet to fully heal after a recent surgery'. This was according to Sky Sports News quoting Emmanuel Attah, a team official on Saturday morning.

The 23-year-old is among the final 23-man squad drafted by Nigerian coach Lars Lagerback who had earlier assured that Mikel will play a part of Sunday's warm-up game against North Korea.

Meanwhile, Sochaux midfielder Brown Ideye has been called up to replace John Mikel Obi, who has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle problem 

Michael Dawson of Spurs will step in to pair John Terry, while the captain band will go to Rio’s assistant, Steven Gerrard,

The England skipper who damaged left-knee ligaments during training after tackling Emile Heskey and catching his studs in the turf groaned last night “ I am cursed”

Ferdinand's agent and long-time friend Pini Zahavi, told Sunsport: "Rio said: 'I think somebody cursed me'. That is honestly how he feels. Rio is very down. He cannot understand why this has happened to him."

Shocked players heard Ferdinand scream in agony as he collapsed to the ground.

England's medical staff rushed over before the Three Lions star was taken to hospital.

It was there Ferdinand, 31, was given the devastating news that he will be out of action for up to six weeks.

It was England's first full-training session since arriving in South Africa and caps a miserable season for the Manchester United defender.

He played only 13 League games for United last season because of a back injury and now his dreams of lifting the World Cup are over.

Zahavi added: "This injury is nothing to do with the ones he had before. It is completely different and it is very bad luck.

"Rio was feeling sharp and was ready for the World Cup.

"He has waited so long for this tournament and to try and help England win it. He had prepared himself so well.