Stephen Warnock's World Cup dream thrown into doubt after twisting his ankle in training

27 May 2010 16:02
Limped off: Warnock has injured his ankle in training[LNB]Stephen Warnock's outside chance of making the World Cup squad is in the balance after the Aston Villa full-back limped out of training with a twisted ankle.[LNB]Warnock is hoping to play some part in Sunday's friendly against Japan in Graz in order to press his claims for a place in the 23-man squad that Fabio Capello will take to South Africa on June 1.[LNB]However, Warnock will now need to be assessed before it is known whether he will be able to resume training on Friday.[LNB]Although he was rated an outsider to go to South Africa, Leighton Baines' poor display against Mexico on Monday night meant Warnock was still in with a chance of being named as back-up to first choice left-back Ashley Cole.[LNB]Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, meanwhile, has shrugged off a knock and is expected to be involved against Japan, who were beaten on home soil by South Korean earlier this week.[LNB] Raring to go: England midfielder Steven Gerrard will be fit for friendly with Japan[LNB]Sunderland striker Darren Bent has also recovered from a hamstring problem that prevented him from facing the Mexicans and is in contention for the weekend.[LNB]Capello has already confirmed Ledley King will not take part, whilst the Chelsea contingent of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Cole will play, although the presence of Joe Cole in the Italian's starting line-up is less certain.[LNB] Tottenham eye £7m move for Villa flop Davies and seek contract talks with Modric Gareth Barry holds it all together for England as Fabio Capello struggles to replace the Manchester City midfielderASTON VILLA FC

Source: Daily_Mail