Summary Of A Season: Joe Cole

The 28-year-old will probably admit it was a frustrating season for him as he struggled to cement a place in the starting 11, but he popped up at important times with some vital contributions, not least his opening goal at Old Trafford in April.

The 2009/10 campaign began with promise, as Joe returned to pre-season training with the rest of the squad in positive mood having recovered well from cruciate ligament damage in January 2009.

A setback was to follow though, and he missed the tour of America, not returning to first-team duty until late September, when he produced a sparkling captain's display against QPR in the Carling Cup, offering 'that bit of fantasy' Ray Wilkins had said he would.

His next three appearances were off the bench before starts against Blackburn and Bolton, both of which were impressively creative.

A first goal arrived in late November as Wolves were pulled apart, and a run of four successive league starts in December and January produced five assists, a goal of his own disallowed at Burnley for offside.

Constant speculation regarding Joe's future perhaps began to take its toll though, and from February onwards he was used more regularly as an impact substitute, his play creating further goals against Man City and Portsmouth before the season's highlight - that delicate, cheeky back-flick that gave us the lead at Old Trafford, before Didier Drogba smashed home to secure three huge points in the title race.

Three late sub appearances in the Premier League, and an FA Cup Final cameo against Portsmouth at Wembley allowed further contribution to a record-breaking Chelsea season, and a late inclusion in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad will have been a huge boost after almost two years out of the national setup.

Drogba Has Successful Operation On Elbow

Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba has undergone a successful operation on his fractured elbow although his team did not say whether he would be able to play at the World Cup.

"The necessary surgical intervention has been a success," the Ivory Coast football federation said on its website (www.fif-ci.com) on Saturday.

The federation added that medical staff was confident Drogba would make "a rapid recovery" but did not elaborate.

The 32-year-old striker was injured during Friday's 2-0 friendly win over Japan in Sion.

Drogba, a talismanic figure for the Elephants with 43 goals in 67 appearances, limped off after a challenge from Tulio sent him falling awkwardly to the ground after 15 minutes.

If he misses the World Cup it would be a huge blow to the Ivorians, who have been transformed from a middle-ranking team to a major force in African football since Drogba came on to the scene.

Born in Ivory Coast and raised in France, the Chelsea forward has helped them qualify for their first two World Cups in 2006 and 2010.

He was Premier League top scorer this season as Chelsea won the title from Manchester United.

Last Friday, vice-captain Kolo Toure said a dejected Drogba had told team mates in the dressing room he was out of the tournament, which starts on Friday.

"It's obviously very sad, for him he said that the World Cup is finished, we're just waiting for what the doctor says," Toure said.

But coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said as he left the stadium there was still a chance Drogba could play.

The Ivorians, who are holding a training camp in Saanenmoeser in the Swiss Alps, face Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in World Cup Group G.

Chelsea Announce They Want Joe Cole To Stay

Chelsea have announced they are willing to fight to keep Joe Cole at the club despite increasing interest from a number of other Premier League clubs.

The England midfielder is available to leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June and has been attracting interest from a number of clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Chelsea had been rumoured to have withdrawn their offer of a new contract and turned their attention to signing Liverpool’s Israeli international midfielder Yossi Benayoun as a replacement.

But Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins told BBC Radio 5 Live that contrary to the rumours suggesting otherwise, the West London club are keen for Cole to extend his stay.

"We've obviously been in dialogue with Joe for months now and it's pretty evident that Carlo and myself would love Joe to stay but it's down now to the club to see what we can do.

"We sincerely hope Joe stays with us - he's a smashing guy and he's a wonderful footballer so we'll keep our fingers crossed."

Chelsea Consider Shock Move For Newcastle United Youngster Andy Carroll

Chelsea are considering an audacious move for Newcastle United youngster Andy Carroll. The Stamford Bridge outfit is on the look out for new up and coming options as Carlo Ancelotti plans for the future whilst dealing with a somewhat aging squad.

Having captured the likes of Ross Turnbull and Daniel Sturridge last summer the club is continuing to look for promising ‘homegrown’ players and are rumoured to be impressed by the 21 year old’s performances with the Magpies last season and with Chelsea’s main attacking options, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, both being over 30 years of age the west London side is keen to bring in new signings.

Carroll finished top scorer at the Toon Army last season with 19 goals in 35 starts as he helped Chris Hughton’s side to the title. However the Gateshead born England Under-21 international has had a few run ins during his time coming through the ranks at St James’ Park, most notably coming to blows with Newcastle defender Steven Taylor.

Should a bid be made by the Premier League champions it seems highly unlikely that Mike Ashley would accept knowing that doing so would further anger supporters who already enjoy a rather spicy relationship with the club’s owner.

Arsenal Set To Beat Out Manchester City And Sign Chelsea Midfielder Joe Cole

With captain Cesc Fabregas keen to move to Barcelona this summer Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is looking to bring Cole in to help strengthen the Gunners, who have not won a trophy since 2005, according to the Daily Mail.

Both Arsenal and City were believed to be apprehensive to sign Cole due to the Englishman’s £100,000 a week salary demands.

Contract negotiations between Cole and Chelsea have stalled and with the 28-year-old’s current deal set to expire, the midfielder will be a free agent this summer.

Cole believes that he is deserving of a lucrative contract because the club that he would join would not have to pay the £10million transfer fee that he would be worth in the open market.

The former West Ham United midfielder and his family would prefer to stay in London, and after struggling to break into Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti’s first team this season it appears that Cole is on the verge of a move to the Gunners.

Wenger will have around £30 million, plus the amount that Arsenal receives from Barcelona for Fabregas, and the Frenchman could use a portion of that transfer money to bring Cole to the Emirates.

Joe Cole: It's Just Fantastic To Be Back For World Cup

Joe Cole’s second England coming has given the Chelsea star the goosebumps.

Two seasons ago talk of such an outstanding talent not being part of England’s World Cup plans would have been ridiculous.

But the Cockney charmer has been to hell and back following cruciate knee ligament damage in an FA Cup game at Southend 18 months ago.

With Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti also appearing to lose faith with Cole, his international obituary was being written. In fact, Cole’s ambitions of travelling to South Africa rested on what amounted to a critical 45 minute audition on a rainy afternoon in Austria last Sunday.

Cole, 28, proved his qualities and is now in Rustenburg.

He enthused: “Seeing my name on the back of an England shirt on a peg in the dressing room gave me the goosebumps. It means so much playing for England. It is like a second coming. I’m really enjoying my football again.” So Cole is smiling once more after being given the No 11 shirt.

“Before I was looked upon as a regular with 50 caps. Now I’m looking at the England shirt on the peg again. Fantastic. I hate answering questions on the injury. All I want to do is to play in the World Cup finals and help us win it.”

Cole To Get £4.5 Million Divorce Payout?

Singer Cheryl Cole is set to receive a £4.5 million payout when her divorce Ashley Cole is finalized, according to reports.

The Girls Aloud hitmaker walked out on the sports star earlier this year following allegations he cheated on her with four women.

Cole reportedly asked for a quick divorce when she started proceedings last month. She was said to be prepared to allow her former partner keep their marital home in Surrey and not demand any financial support.

But now it has emerged the singer will receive a lump sum from Cole when the divorce is finalized later this year reports The Sun.

A source tells the publication, "He can't believe she will walk away with nothing. She worked as hard as him for their possessions."

Cole will reportedly be granted a decree nisi in early August with the divorce set to be completed six weeks later.

Lampard Retains Penalty Belief

England midfielder Frank Lampard says he will not shirk from his penalty taking duties at the World Cup finals.

Doubts had emerged over Lampard's position as England's premier spot-kick taker after the Chelsea star saw an effort saved in the friendly win over Japan.

Reports had indicated striker Wayne Rooney had tried to oust his team-mate from the responsibility, but Lampard refuted such suggestions.

Lampard also missed a penalty in the Blues' FA Cup final against Portsmouth, uncharacteristically dragging his effort wide.

But the 31-year-old said he would remain in charge should his side be awarded a penalty, insisting he still retained belief in his ability to hit the net.

"Wayne hasn't made an issue of it. Actually, he hasn't said anything. No-one has," said Lampard.

"I heard the manager had said I was still the penalty taker and I am happy with that. I still have the confidence. It is a fact of life that you can miss occasionally.

"I missed in a friendly, which was a little reminder. I will practise them here and go back to basics a bit.

"Despite what has happened I am very confident with myself. I have the inner strength to take it on the chin. When I pick up the ball I believe that I will score."

Lampard's attempts to fire England to glory will be done with the tournament's controversial 'Jabulani' ball, which has come under criticism from various players in the build-up to the campaign.

The altitude of some of the matches in South Africa has also added to the perceived difficulties facing the competition's hopefuls, however Lampard believes it will not prove to be problematic.

He did, however, join the many to voice their opinion on the much-maligned ball, saying the flight could cause extremes between successful strikes and misses.

He said: "The altitude won't be a problem. In terms of the breathing and how it saps your energy, I haven't noticed too much difference to Austria.

"There is a bit of heat out here as well but we will become accustomed to that and it won't be an issue."

On the ball, he added: "But the ball moving around will be an issue because it moves a lot more. The goalkeepers will tell you that.

"You can see it when you strike the ball. There are going to be a lot more spectacular goals and could even be a lot more spectacular misses with the way the ball moves about."

Stoch & Ivanovic Saturday Winners

Chelsea's Eastern European representatives at the World Cup, Miroslav Stoch and Branislav Ivanovic, both enjoyed victories in their final games on home soil before departing for South Africa.

Slovakia were 3-0 winners over Costa Rica on Saturday afternoon, Stoch starting the game on the left wing and playing 77 minutes before being replaced by Erik Jendrisek. The Chelsea man had a part in the first goal having gone close to scoring himself early in the game.

The big news of the game was the ankle injury suffered by Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, which makes him a doubt for the World Cup. Slovakia's goals were scored through an own goal, Robert Vittek and Stanislav Sestak

Later in the day Ivanovic played the full 90 minutes of Serbia's win although it wasn't the best of evenings for his side's defence. They shipped three goals, coming from behind twice to beat Cameroon 4-3.

Serbia were without Nemanja Vidic and suspension made Samuel Eto'o unavailable for Cameroon. Former Chelsea player Geremi came on for Cameroon at half-time.

Milos Krasic, Dejan Stankovic, Wolves's Nenad Milijas from the penalty spot and Marko Pantelic were the Serbian scorers, all in a first-half that ended 4-2. The African side pulled another back on 67 minutes but the Europeans held on for a welcome victory after a warm-up defeat by New Zealand and a draw with Poland.

Summary Of A Season: Petr Cech

In a season when one of his greatest predecessors, Peter Bonetti, earned a special recognition award at Chelsea, Cech further enhanced his own reputation with a solid season and a major contribution towards a first Premier League and FA Cup Double.

It started in perfect fashion with two penalty saves in the shootout against Manchester United, sealing the Community Shield in Carlo Ancelotti's first game in charge, and was followed by seven straight wins.

A mistake at Stoke was highlighted, however, when he failed to make his mind up on a Glenn Whelan cross, allowing Abdoulaye Faye to head home, and was followed a fortnight later by a red card, the first of his Chelsea career at Wigan in our first defeat of the season.

Suspended in the 2-0 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, he returned to the side at Villa Park but again came under scrutiny - two goals conceded at set-pieces, the second after he had missed another cross - as we suffered successive away defeats.

He bounced back to concede just two more in the next eight games as we entered the Christmas period on top of the league, and while a calf injury at the San Siro prevented him from participating in our Champions League second leg defeat against Inter, causing him to miss five games, he returned for the run-in and had a big say in the direction of the major silverware, earning the Premier League's Golden Glove on the final day of the season with his 17th clean sheet from 34 games.

Cech kept perhaps his most important saves for last. In the FA Cup Final with the scores at 0-0, he first pulled off an amazing instinctive save to prevent Frederic Piquionne from opening the scoring, and then kept out Kevin-Prince Boateng's spot-kick with his feet, moments before Didier Drogba went up the other end and scored a superb free-kick. Just the reminder everyone needed about the goalkeeper's credentials.

Lampard: We Live In Fear Of World Cup Blow

Frank Lampard has admitted the entire England squad live in fear of suffering the kind of injury that ruled Rio Ferdinand out of the World Cup.

Ferdinand was injured in a collision with Emile Heskey in England's first training session in Rustenburg on Friday and is now facing a decision whether to return home or stay in South Africa with the squad.

Lampard feels "sick in the stomach" just at the thought of missing the World Cup so he can only imagine how Ferdinand feels.

"He's very down," Lampard said of the Manchester United defender at a press conference on Saturday.

"It's a huge competition, the biggest competition. It made me feel a bit sick in the stomach so I can't imagine how he feels."

"I was fearful for him because you could see the pain of the fall but also there was an element of fear.

"We all understand that. We've all had moments during our club careers as well where there's big games coming up and you feel you might have done something to put you out of that game.

"I understood straight away that it was potentially a bad one and then it was fingers crossed for the scan and obviously it turned out to be bad."

Injuries have blighted recent England campaigns - David Beckham's metatarsal in 2002, Wayne Rooney's metatarsal in 2004 and Michael Owen's knee injury in Germany four years ago.

And Lampard admits it is a problem which worries the rest of the squad.

He added: "We're very nervous of these things because we have had players injured before but I wouldn't say we're cursed. That's the wrong word.

"What we have to do now is rely on the strength of the group and our players."

Lampard admits the whole camp are disappointed to lose such an important player as Ferdinand but feels that Michael Dawson, who has now joined up with the England camp, is an able replacement.

Steven Gerrard has taken over as skipper and the Chelsea midfielder feels that is the right choice to help them push on.

He added: "We have to keep batting on, we have to be very focused. There's nothing wrong with being disappointed. That's normal. But when we trained today we trained at full pelt

"Dawson's turned up now and he's a lad who fully deserves to get that kind of call up for the player he is and the season he's had. So we have to just focus.

"Yes, we've lost a big player and big leader in our team but we've got to get together.

"I think he (Gerrard) will do the job he does at Liverpool. Which he has done fantastically for years. It'll mean everything to him the England captaincy.

"Steven's got that very quiet way about him off the pitch and everyone respects him for that. He's a player to look up to and that what's a captain's all about."

Meanwhile Lampard has expressed his hope that Ferdinand remains in South Africa with rest of the squad.

"I didn't really know what to say for him," he said. "We just spoke about the injury and how disappointed he was and I just said 'I'm here for you'.

"He's making the decision now whether to stay on or go home.

"I know he'll try and do what's best for him but also what's good for the lads.

"We'll miss him first and foremost on the pitch because of the quality he has as a centre-half. He's one of the best in the world without a shadow of a doubt but we have to keep going."

Lampard Eyes Gerrard Partnership

Frank Lampard believes he can forge a successful partnership with new captain Steven Gerrard in the heart of England's midfield.

Gerrard has been handed the armband for the World Cup after Rio Ferdinand was ruled out with a knee problem on Thursday.

Lampard, who is now the team's vice-captain, is fully behind the decision and has no doubts that Gerrard will thrive on the added responsibility as he does at club level.

"I think he'll do the job he does at Liverpool, which has been fantastic for years," Lampard said on Sky Sports News.

"The England captaincy is a huge thing for anyone who holds it and I think Steven has got that quiet way about him off the pitch that everyone respects.

"He plays with a lot of inspiration and he is a player to look up to, and I think that is what a captain is all about."

Lampard and Gerrard could be asked to line up together in central midfield against USA next Saturday, with Gareth Barry doubtful due to an ankle problem.

Fabio Capello has steered clear of such a tactic after Lampard and Gerrard found it difficult to find their best form for England under previous managers.

But Lampard was encouraged by the way he linked up with Gerrard in the second half against Japan and insists it is a myth that the partnership could not work.

"I do get fed up, it has gone quiet for a while. There has been a nice little two-year break, but it has come back now," he said.

"It is the manager's decision and we have got faith in him.

"I believe we can play together because intelligent players who play as we do for our clubs should be able to play together.

"It is very important for us to work on it. The manager might have different ideas for different games and we have to adapt to that.

"We try to be positive and inject more energy into the team like we did against Japan."

England are expected to progress to the last 16 as Group C winners but USA are likely to provide their stiffest test in their opening game.

Lampard is wary of the threat they will present and does not feel it would be a disaster if England fail to get off to a winning start.

"It is very important. It is not all about winning that first game but if we do win it puts us in a very strong position in the group," he said.

"I have seen many games in tournaments before where that first game does not go the way you expect it to.

"America will be determined to beat us because of the rivalry, so we don't have to make it the be all and end all.

"We don't have to think about the result, just prepare well for the game."

Carlo Praises Anelka

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has hailed the tactical nous of France striker Nicolas Anelka ahead of the World Cup.

Anelka netted 15 times in all competitions for the Blues last term as Ancelotti's side won an historic Premier League and FA Cup double.

And, with the new 4-3-3 organization of the France team, the Chelsea ace is expected to be selected as the central forward in Raymond Domenech's starting XI during the World Cup.

While some fans believe the 31-year-old came into midfield too often during the last two friendlies against Costa Rica and Tunisia, Ancelotti believes the French public should trust in their striker.

He told L'Equipe: "He is very intelligent on a tactical level. Nicolas likes to touch the ball, and be in the centre of the game.

"If he is playing as centre forward and comes back to the midfield, that is no problem. That gives an unpredictable touch to your team's game.

He added: "Nicolas is versatile and can do anything. With me this season, he played in several different positions. Even if Nicolas is good anywhere, I believe his best position is centre forward.

"He is excellent when he got the ball in the gap, his pace hurts a lot. And in the box, he can keep his calm and be very efficient. He has the elegance of Marco van Basten."

The Italian tactician insisted Anelka is one of the very best forwards in the world.

"He is reliable both as a player and as a man. He never betrayed me," he said.

"He is very professional: I believe he is one of the very few players who never came in late to training sessions this season at Chelsea. He doesn't talk a lot but is frank and honest.

"When I came to Chelsea, he was one of the players I knew the least along with Florent Malouda. But by the end, they were my two biggest satisfactions."

Frank Lampard Appointed England's Vice-Captain

Frank Lampard has confirmed reports that he will be England's new vice-captain in the wake of Steven Gerrard's promotion to England skipper.

Fabio Capello has handed the Chelsea man the responsibility and Lampard says he is proud to assume the role.

"I am vice-captain," Lampard told journalists at a press conference.

"I was told by the manager and Franco Baldini [Capello's assistant] yesterday and I am very proud of that.

"Obviously I am very disappointed for Rio. He is a mate.

"But what can I do? I shall just try to give my input as a vice-captain."

Lampard came through the ranks at West Ham United with Rio Ferdinand and as a close friend stressed his deep sympathies for the Manchester United defender.

"I am very disappointed for him to say the least," said Lampard.

"I spoke to him last night and he is obviously very down.

"He is such a good mate and for this to happen in the build-up to the biggest tournament made me feel sick in my stomach."

And personal sympathies aside Lampard knows that England can ill-afford to do without such an important player.

"We will miss him first and foremost on the pitch because of the quality he has on the pitch, he is one of the best centre-backs in the world," he continued.

"He has always had that bubbly character and we will miss that character."

Nonetheless Lampard insists that sympathy for Ferdinand will only increase England’s team unity and backed Tottenham Hotspur’s Michael Dawson to thrive as a replacement.

"It is natural for everyone in the camp to feel disappointed for Rio but when we trained today it was at full pelt," he said.

"Dawson has turned up now and he is the sort of lad that fully deserves the call-up for the season he has had.

"We can use it [Ferdinand's injury], yes, as a little bit of extra bonding. We have lost a big player but we all have to get together."

United And Arsenal To Miss Out On Joe Cole

Soccernet understands that Arsenal and Manchester will lose out on signing Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole on a free transfer, while Manchester City and Tottenham remain firmly in the hunt for his signature.

Speculation has continued to mount over Cole's future, and he seems certain to leave Stamford Bridge as talks over a new contact stalled before he set off for South Africa after making Fabio Capello's final England squad.

Spurs, Arsenal, United and City have all been linked with a move for Cole, though it appears that Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are unlikely to have the midfielder at their disposal next season.

A source close to the transfer activity told Soccernet: "My information is that Joe Cole will not be going to Arsenal or to Manchester United, despite being linked with both of these clubs. Joe Cole has a few options, and has not made up his mind, and will do so when he returns from South Africa. It is still possible that he could decide to stay at Chelsea but that is only a small chance."

The source refused to rule out Spurs and Man City and while Roberto Mancini's club can offer big bucks, Harry Redknapp has the lure of Champions League football for Cole, and that could be the deciding factor.

Redknapp has made it clear that he isn't looking to make a large number of signings, but instead wants one or two outstanding new players to reinforce Spurs' chances of making past the qualifying stage of the Champions League. And it was Redknapp that gave Cole his debut in the Premier League when they were both at West Ham United.

Cole would be happy to stay at Chelsea, but the club has thus far shown no willingness to improve the contract offer which is still on the table.

With Cole available on a free, his advisors argue that his value in the open transfer market could be £18 million to £20 million, a huge saving for any prospective new club, which would justify an inflated wage packet.

Chelsea Confident Of Benayoun Agreement With Liverpool

Chelsea are confident of closing a deal for Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun in the coming days.

The Daily Mail says Chelsea expect to tie up one deal with Liverpool before the World Cup, with Benayoun set to move to Stamford Bridge for £6m.

Carlo Ancelotti sees the Israel midfielder as an ideal replacement for Joe Cole, who has priced himself out of a new contract at Chelsea by demanding £120,000 a week.

Benayoun, who has three years left on the £75,000-a-week deal he signed last summer, is a cheaper option and is expected to return from holiday in Israel early next week to discuss personal terms.

Chelsea Will Raid Cash-Strapped Liverpool For £70 Million Fernando Torres

Chelsea look set to compound Liverpool’s misery by launching an audacious attempt to land their stellar striker Fernando Torres for a jaw-dropping £70 million.

According to the Daily Mail, the Blues are planning to shatter the British transfer record to bring the Spain international to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Manchester City and Barcelona are also rumoured to be attempting to capitalise on the current turmoil at Anfield.

Manager of six years, Rafael Benitez, left the club by mutual consent last Thursday and was instrumental in tempting the 26-year-old goal-getter to Anfield in the first place for £21 million in July 2007.

No doubt this particular transfer saga will rumble on all summer, but Chelsea are reportedly confident that the Reds will be happy to cash-in on the player given the fact they are £350m in the red.

The main obstacle facing Chelsea is the fact that Torres is hot property across Europe and can cherry-pick his eventual destination if he chooses to leave Merseyside.

Chelsea’s crucial advantage over Premier League rivals Manchester City though in any such Torres transfer, is the fact that they can offer Champions League football next season. However, Torres himself would perhaps prefer a return to Spain and Barcelona.

Torres himself has remained tight-lipped about his future, stating only that he will decide his future after the World Cup.

Yet unless Liverpool quickly secure new ownership and a transfer kitty that allows them to compete with the Premier League’s leading lights, many believe Torres and other stars such as Steven Gerrard could jump ship this summer.

Queiroz Has No Drogba Cares

Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz insists Didier Drogba's injury will not affect his game plan against Ivory Coast.

The star striker will almost certainly miss the Group G clash with Queiroz's side in 10 days' time after fracturing his right elbow against Japan on Friday.

His absence will be a big blow to the Ivorians but former Manchester United assistant manager Queiroz insists he is not bothered about his opponents.

Instead he is focused on his own squad and wants them to impose their style of play on the game.

Queiroz said: "We are not going to change anything in our plans.

"When great players are out of a World Cup - as also happened with my great friend Rio Ferdinand - it's always a shame, a blow for the spectacle.

"But the strategy is to concentrate on our own. The longer we impose our game on the adversary, the more problems you create.

"Our players know what our style is. Our main weapon is our style of play, our way of football. We have to play like Portuguese teams.

"In that sense, I do not care if Drogba plays or not."

Chelsea's John Mikel Obi Ruled Out

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has been ruled out of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a knee injury.

Mikel joins fellow Chelsea stars Michael Essien and Michael Ballack in missing out through injury, while Didier Drogba is a major doubt.

The 23-year-old underwent minor knee surgery in May and feels he has not recovered sufficiently.

"We have dropped Mikel from the squad after he said he did not want to risk his career," said a Nigeria spokesman.

Nigeria will replace Obi Mikel with the uncapped Brown Ideye, a striker from French club Sochaux.

Mikel has been capped 30 times for his country and was the last player to join up with the rest of the squad at their training camp in Essex.

In South Africa, Mikel cut short his workout with the team on two consecutive days. He also missed the team's two build-up games against Saudi Arabia and Colombia.

On Friday he trained with the rest of the squad for the first time since they arrived at their World Cup base in Durban, but later announced he was not fit enough to play in South Africa.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group B alongside two-time world champions Argentina, former European Championship winners Greece and 2002 World Cup semi-finalists South Korea.

They play a final friendly against North Korea in Johannesburg on Sunday before starting their World Cup campaign against Argentina on 12 June.

Summary Of A Season: Alex

Another of Chelsea's form players in the second half of the campaign, Alex sat out the first three months of the season with a hernia injury.

When he returned to fitness he found regular central defensive pairing Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry in excellent form, and had to be patient , appearing just six times before the turn of the year, and only another five before March.

It was then that Carvalho began to struggle with his own fitness, and he would not play again after damaging ankle ligaments against Portsmouth in late March.

By then Alex had already turned in a number of eye-catching displays at centre-half, notably against Stoke in the FA Cup, where he made two last-ditch tackles and earned a nomination for the quarter-final player of the round award.

Terry himself admitted the Brazilian was giving manager Carlo Ancelotti a selection headache, which may well have eased slightly when Carvalho was ruled out, allowing the burly defender the run of games his form merited.

Excluded from Brazil squads for around 18 months, Alex was again left out as coach Dunga announced his World Cup squad. It was a decision that mystified many around Stamford Bridge.

In Alex's 25 appearances, Chelsea conceded only 14 times, the only one that could directly be attributed to the 27-year-old being against Burnley, where, off balance, he was uncharacteristically outmuscled by Steven Fletcher.

It was an isolated slip in an otherwise brilliant second half to the season, and having surpassed the 100-match mark against Bolton in April, Alex will be looking to kick on after the summer and make that place alongside the captain his own.