World Cup News: Diarra out for France, Essien still doubtful for Ghana

France / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 23 May 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

France have suffered a major blow to their World Cup chances with the news that Lassana Diarra is out of the touranment with a stomach muscle injury. Meanwhile Ghana captain Michael Essien continues to try and recover in time to play...

"Arsenal’s Abou Diaby has been filling in for Diarra in training in the so-called “Makelele role” though a shock recall for the original (Claude) Makelele could even be on the cards now despite the ex-Chelsea midfielder re-iterating on several occasions that he’s retired from international football."

Real Madrid and France midfielder Lassana Diarra is out of the World Cup after suffering a stomach injury whilst altitude training on a mountain glacier on Thursday. The training was aimed at preparing the French squad for the two group matches they will play at high altitude in Polokwane and Bloemfontein against Mexico and South Africa respectively.

Coach Raymond Domenech must now decide who to select to replace the former Lyon and Chelsea man in the squad though a recall for former France captain Patrick Vieira looks unlikely, given his recent injury problems and the fact he didn't play much football last season for either Inter Milan or Manchester City as a result of them. Vieira was seen as such an integral part of Domenech's Euro 2008 squad that he was included despite being far from fit and ended up not taking to the pitch as the 2006 World Cup finalists crashed out in the group stages.

Arsenal's Abou Diaby has been filling in for Diarra in training in the so-called "Makelele role" though a shock recall for the original (Claude) Makelele could even be on the cards now despite the ex-Chelsea midfielder re-iterating on several occasions that he's retired from international football. Diarra's injury is a big blow to France, who trade at [21.0] for the World Cup, though odds of [1.4] suggest that they'll at least better their effort from two years ago and get out of their group.

Meanwhile the man currently responsible for shielding Chelsea's back four, Michael Essien, continues his battle to prove he's fit to captain Ghana at the World Cup. Essien played for Ghana at the African Cup Of Nations but injured his knee whilst out there and hasn't played for Chelsea since. He said:

"Chelsea have allowed me to carry on until the end of May at Cobham and my fitness will be assessed by the experts as the days go by.

"I feel a lot better than I did a few weeks ago so I am keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well.

"I haven't played since January as you well know so I will need games before the real thing starts."

Ghana are [2.26] to qualify from a tough group that also includes Germany, Serbia and Australia.

Group favourites Germany will definitely be without their own captain after Michael Ballack, also of Chelsea, was ruled out with an injury sustained during the FA Cup final after a tackle by Kevin-Prince Boateng. The Portsmouth midfielder has only recently decided that he doesn't want to play for Germany at senior level after representing them in the Under 21 team and will be at the World Cup lining up for...Ghana.

Tags: France coach, France World Cup squad, Lassana Diarra, Michael essien, World Cup bets, World Cup odds