NANI OUT AS WORLD CUP CURSE STRIKES AGAIN

Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani is the latest player to fall victim to an emerging World Cup curse, after being ruled out of the showpiece event.

Portugal confirmed the news in a team statement saying, "After tests we conclude he is unfit to participate in the World Cup."

The 23 year-old suffered a shoulder injury in training on Friday and tests have confirmed he will not be fit for the tournament.

England skipper Rio Ferdinand has already been ruled out of the World Cup while Côte d'Ivoire captain Didier Drogba is touch and go after suffering a broken arm in a warm-up game against Japan. The African nations have suffered badly with injuries with Drogba's club mates John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien having been ruled out of action for Nigeria and Ghana respectively.

The fitness of Dutch winger Arjen Robben remains a major concern for Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk after the Bayern Munich winger limped out of his side's 6-1 win over Hungary last week.

However it is better news for Honduras midfielder Wilson Palacios who has been passed fit to play, as has Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Initial fears that both would be unable to make the tournament have proven unfounded.

INJURY CURSE CONTINUING TO STRIKE KEY PLAYERS

Arjen Robben is the latest in a string of key players bound for the World Cup in South Africa to suffer a worrying injury.

The Dutch winger limped out of Holland's 6-1 win over Hungary earlier today after appearing to pull a hamstring.

Holland are scheduled to depart for South Africa tonight, but no decision will be made on Robben's inclusion until more is known about the nature and extent of the injury.

Despite the morale boosting victory, Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk stated that he "would rather lose this match and have Arjen stay fit" as reported by The Guardian.

Meanwhile, the defending World Champions Italy have concerns over the fitness of Andrea Pirlo who suffered a calf problem during the warm up defeat to Mexico. Pirlo, who played a key role four years ago in his country's success, is not currently with the squad and his progress is being closely monitored.

South American giants and five-time winners Brazil have worries over goalkeeper Julio Cesar who is struggling with a back problem and is currently unable to train.

The USA, whose opening Group C match against England is just a week away now, today beat Australia 3-1 in their final warm up game, but a notable absentee from the starting line-up was Jozy Altidore. The striker is nursing a sprained ankle but is expected to recover in time for the start of the tournament.