All the latest World Cup build-up news with 18 days to go

Diarra ruled out through illness

FRANCE:The France training camp was in a state of shock yesterday after Lassana Diarra was ruled out of the World Cup. Holding midfielder Diarra left the squad on Saturday after missing training for three days because of persistent stomach pains.

The 25-year-old, who has won 27 caps and was regarded as a likely starter, suffers from a genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells and causing chronic fatigue, his Real Madrid club said in a statement.

“It’s hard to swallow because we know the importance of Lass (Lassana) on and off the pitch,” defender Sebastien Squillaci said. Diarra, who started feeling unwell on a hike up a glacier overlooking the ski village in the Alps where France are in a week-long training camp, will have to rest for an indeterminate period, a France team spokesman said.

Also yesterday defender William Gallas rolled over while taking part in a dune buggy race at the teams camp.

Gallas got out of the buggy and waved to his team-mates to indicate he had not been hurt in the crash.

The defender escaped with just a graze on his left hand, a team spokesman said. The former Arsenal skipper is recovering from a calf injury and has been back in training for several days, suggesting he will be fit to take part in the finals. France, in a week-long training camp at this scenic ski village, have been taking part in activities such as hiking up a glacier and an introduction to biathlon, a mixture of cross-country skiing and shooting.

Germany look to Khedira

GERMANY:coach Joachim Low has revealed Sami Khedira is his first choice to replace Michael Ballack at the World Cup.

Low said he will not be altering his system following the injury-enforced withdrawal of his captain, and Stuttgart midfielder Khedira has been earmarked to replace him. “It can be assumed that Khedira is the number-one candidate for this position,” Low said.

“He has a great deal of potential and is a player who has already been given a lot of responsibility at Stuttgart. He also shows that he has matured.”

Whoever leads the team onto the field will be doing so with the usual expectations of a nation which has won the title three times. However, Low is not eyeing the cup this time, especially with Ballack ruled out. “We have set ourselves the goal of playing a good World Cup and there is no point in building up the pressure by setting targets.”

Germany kick-off their campaign against Australia on June 13th.

Midfielder Jali out of squad

SOUTH AFRICA:Midfielder Andile Jali will not be chosen for the squad after being sent to the US for a check-up on a possible heart condition, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said yesterday.

Jali, who made his international debut this year, had been diagnosed with a mild cardiovascular condition and sent for further tests before the end-of-the-month announcement of the host nations final 23-man squad.

But Parreira said he would take no chances with the 20-year-old. “His playing career is not threatened but he must have the condition thoroughly investigated so that his career can continue,” Parreira said. “I’ve told him it would be best to have it properly checked. We do not want to put his life in any danger.”