Another Big Name Out

This time it's Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel, who has decided against going to the World Cup. Mikel has been crocked since April, due to a knee injury and he felt it was best to spend the summer recuperating, rather than potentially damaging the knee further. It's a massive blow for Nigeria, not only do they lose their captain, they also lose a fantastic defensive midfielder. Mikel joins a rapidly growing list of notable absentees, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack, Rio Ferdinand and possibly Didier Drogba will all miss the World Cup.