IT seems like the walking wounded are out-numbering the fit players in South Africa at the moment – and a ball hasn’t been kicked in anger yet.

Portugal and Manchester United winger Nani became the latest player to be ruled out yesterday, joining a steady stream of Premier League-based stars who won’t be involved in the World Cup.

Rio Ferdinand, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel have also succumbed to injury, while the Ivory Coast seem reluctant to face facts and admit a broken arm really will mean Didier Drogba will also be watching from the sidelines.

It has all cast a bit of an unwanted shadow on the tournament build-up, and nowhere more so than in the England camp, where crocked former captains still linger in the shadows at every turn.

Ferdinand’s injury was a shock, if only because it revealed there was a role for Emile Heskey after all. But based on Premier League form alone, the United defender shouldn’t have been in the starting line-up.

Old Trafford regulars will attest that the England skipper had looked ropey in the closing weeks of the season whereas Ledley King and Michael Dawson both ended on a high at Spurs. John Terry reckons the news “devastated” the dressing room.

But aside from losing out on the odd “merk” here and there, I can’t help but feel Fabio Capello is better off without the burden of playing a below-par centre-half, alongside another whose baggage is also weighing heavy on his mind.

Ferdinand continues to loiter, as does David Beckham, whose extensive access all areas pass will probably allow him to push Franco Baldini out of the dugout at some point in the next few weeks.

I think it would be a sensible move for both players to take a back seat, perhaps take on a bit of punditry, and allow the squad to do their stuff.

I certainly wouldn’t begrudge them both a place on the podium should we end up lifting the trophy.