COLOMBIA’S TALISMANIC STRIKER Radamel Falcao will miss the World Cup after losing his battle to recover from the crushing knee injury he sustained playing for his club Monaco in January. There was better injury news for France, however, as Franch Ribery recovered from a back injury to make his country’s 23-man squad.
Falcao’s absence from Brazil was confirmed today by Colombia coach Jose Pekerman. ”It’s a sad night,” the Argentine told a press conference at his squad’s training camp in Campana.
“With a great deal of sadness I must inform you that Radamel Falcao and Luis Perea will not be taking part in the World Cup because they have not recovered from their injuries.”
The 28-year-old, who has scored 20 goals in 51 international appearances, suffered serious knee ligament damage in a French Cup tie on January 22 and has not played since. He has been training with the Colombia squad since the end of last month but his fitness level has failed to satisfy the team’s medical experts.
“It’s a difficult time. I’ll be supporting the team with all my force,” said the striker. ”The forwards picked for the World Cup are great players who have the backing of the entire team and the coaches. They’ve been good throughout the season.”
Pekerman hinted at a divergence of views between him and the Colombian football federation’s medical team. ”I wanted him to play no matter what part,” said Pekerman.
Sometimes man can move mountains, and other times he’s powerless. This decision concerning Falcao is the conlusion of the experts.”
The news hit Colombia’s football fans hard, with the former River Plate, FC Porto and Atletico Madrid attacker as well known in Bogota as celebrated singer Shakira. His fate has kept the nation of 46 million holding its collective breath.
Bank on Franck
France, meanwhile, were able to name Ribery in their final squad selection after the Bayern Munich midfielder was deemed fit enough to start the tournament despite a recent back injury.
Also included in the final Brazil-bound list submitted to FIFA was Stephane Ruffier, who stepped in last month for injured goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.
France boss Didier Deschamps is hoping to have Ribery back in business in time for Sunday’s warm-up against Jamaica. He has missed preps against Norway and Paraguay in the past week. France have been drawn in Group E with Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras, their opening opponents in Porte Alegre on 15 June.
