PRINCETON, N.J. — U.S. players began training for the World Cup on Monday at Princeton University’s Roberts Stadium, a $13.4 million soccer facility opened two years ago by the alma mater of U.S. coach Bob Bradley, who coached the Tigers from 1984-95.
Even on the first day of workouts, there were injuries that caused goalkeeper Tim Howard (quadriceps strain), defender Jay DeMerit (abdominal strain), forward Eddie Johnson (hamstring strain) and defender Chad Marshall (hamstring strain) to be in the trainer’s room instead of sprinting across the lush, green grass. Defender Carlos Bocanegra (abdominal strain) did ball work on his own.
“We’ve had long seasons, all of us, and guys have some knocks,” said Howard, the starter for Everton in England. “There’s no reason to rush anyone into it right now. Everything is just precautionary.”
Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle and Jose Torres weren’t around at all, off getting physicals after reporting Sunday. Four players based in Europe were still due to arrive late Monday or today.
As for the group that’s arrived, Bradley said he isn’t worried — just yet — about injuries. But he will keep watch.
“We assess as we go through this week whether some of the issues are already on their way to being better and guys are back in training,” he said, “or whether it then becomes more of a concern.”
Defender Oguchi Onyewu, due to arrive today, might be the biggest uncertainty, but Bradley expressed confidence in his fitness. Onyewu hasn’t played since Oct. 14, when he tore his left patellar tendon. He ended the reason in regular training with AC Milan, which announced Monday he was extending his contract by one year through June 2013 — at no extra money.
The team leaves for South Africa on May 30 and has a final exhibition against Australia on June 5 in preparation for the opener against England on June 12, followed by first- round games against Slovenia (June 18) and Algeria (June 23).
Injured Ballack to miss Cup
FRANKFURT — Germany captain Michael Ballack will miss the World Cup because of torn ligaments in his right ankle, a serious blow to the three-time champions.
The 33-year-old Chelsea midfielder was hurt during his club’s 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Portsmouth on Saturday. Ballack’s ankle is in a cast, and the German soccer federation said he won’t be able to train for at least eight weeks. A full recovery is expected.
“It’s football and you have to live with it. . . . I am angry, clearly,” Germany’s three- time player of the year said, standing with crutches.
Germany could meet the United States in the second round.
The Associated Press
