Injuries put Brazil on alert at World Cup

Johannesburg: The growing list of injuries to high-profile players ahead of the World Cup has become a concern for Brazil.

England captain Rio Ferdinand, Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and other top players have been hurt just days before the tournament is to begin.

Striker Grafite says "everybody was talking about" the injuries and the risk of "missing the World Cup."

Ferdinand was ruled out of the World Cup after injuring ligaments in his left knee in England's practice on Friday, while Drogba is in danger of not playing after breaking his right arm in a warmup against Japan the same day.

Defender Maicon says it is "sad" to have such important players out of the World Cup.