World Cup woes: Injuries plaguing key players before tournament even begins

World Cup injury list: Drogba, Ferdinand, Altidore

JOHANNESBURG — The grind of the World Cup begins in a week. The buildup already has been damaging for many teams.

Ivory Coast may have lost its star and captain, Didier Drogba. He broke his right arm Friday in a 2-0 warmup victory over Japan. England captain Rio Ferdinand might miss the tournament after injuring his left knee during practice hours before Drogba was hurt.

Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo is home in Milan with a calf injury that could force him from soccer showpiece event. Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar missed practice for the second straight day because of a back injury.

And American striker Jozy Altidore has a sprained right ankle that makes him doubtful for Saturday’s tuneup match against Australia.