Several stars have been afflicted with injuries in the run up to the World Cup. Players like Drogba, Robben, Ferdinand, Altidore, and others have been hurt. These injuries will greatly affect the teams involved, but some might not be as bad as others. Which injured soccer superstars will be missed the most by their countries? Let's break it down.Didier Drogba - Ivory Coast - Broken Right Arm
-Drogba suffered the injury in a freak challenge against Japan earlier in the week. Drogba is not only the face of the Ivory Coast team, but perhaps all of African soccer as well and has proven to be an ambassador for the sport and the World Cup. His impact on the field is just as big for Cote D'Ivoire considering the impressive form he's been in for Chelsea. Drogba underwent emergency surgery today in hopes of coming back for at least part of the tournament. If Drogba can have any sort of impact or even see the field it would be an incredible testament to him, but it looks like an uphill climb. IMPACT: MASSIVE
Rio Ferdinand - England - Left Knee Ligament Damage
-The England captain injured his knee in training for Capello's men and now looks set to be replaced by either Ledley King, Jamie Carragher, or Michael Dawson. Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard will captain the team in Rio's absence. In truth though, this won't end England's chances at all. Ferdinand has not been up to his best the past couple years, and Manchester United were able to deal without him quite well. Gerrard should be able to take the leadership mantle, and if King is fit, he can plug the hole. IMPACT: NEGLIGIBLE
Arjen Robben - Netherlands - Hamstring Injury
-Primed to be one of the stars of the World Cup, the Dutch winger was injured after coming on as a sub in Holland's 6-1 win over Hungary. Robben has been one of the world's best players this year, and his loss for the tournament would simply be a crippling blow even though the Dutch have plenty of capable replacements. Robben is staying behind while the team travels to South Africa, and fans of Total Football have to cross their fingers that Robben will be ok. IMPACT: ENORMOUS
Andrea Pirlo - Italy - Calf Injury
-The AC Milan veteran injured his calf in a friendly against Mexico that Italy actually lost! Pirlo is one of the few creative sparks in the Italian lineup, and he's in a race to be ready for the defending champs' opening match. Truth be told though, with or without Pirlo, Italy doesn't seem likely to do much damage in the World Cup. IMPACT: MINIMAL
John Obi Mikel - Nigeria - Knee Surgery
-Mikel has deemed himself to not be ready to recover from knee surgery in time for the World Cup, making him the 2nd Chelsea casualty on the list (hint: more to come). Mikel is somewhat maligned at Chelsea as a defensive midfielder, but was being asked to do more offensively for his country. Nigeria will miss his presence, but playing out of position means it might free up a spot for a more natural offensive player. Nigeria is a darkhorse candidate to do some damage in the knockout rounds, and I still think that holds true. IMPACT: HURTS A LITTLE
Michael Essien - Ghana - Knee Injury
-We know Essien has been out for some time, but this list is incomplete without the heart and soul of the Ghana team. Essien was so pivotal to Ghana getting out of the group stage in 2006, and he'll certainly be missed this time around. In such a tough group (Germany/Serbia/Australia), Ghana will struggle to duplicate that success without their leader. IMPACT: GIANT
Michael Ballack - Germany - Ankle Injury
-Ballack was hurt in the FA Cup final thanks to a tackle from Kevin Prince Boateng (who's brother plays for the German national team). Ballack, Germany's captain, always seemed to step up his game on the big international stage - a lot like Germany actually. His absence leaves a big hole in the middle of the field, and it's hard to see someone on the German team that can fill his shoes. With that being said, it also opens the door for several young German stars to make a name for themselves as well. IMPACT: WAIT AND SEE
Jozy Altidore & Oguchi Onyewu - USA - Ankle Sprain/Knee Surgery Recovery
-Finally, the two American injury concerns are the #1 striker and #1 defender of the US team. Altidore's ankle sprain doesn't seem serious, but it is interesting to see what will happen on June 12 with Edson Buddle scoring 2 goals today in place of Jozy. Onyewu on the other hand has never looked to be 100% in the friendlies before the World Cup. If he's not his physically dominant self, it could open a huge hole in the US defense. IMPACT: HOLD YOUR BREATH
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