By FRANCO PANIZO
Franck Ribery recently said he could be as good as Leo Messi if he kept himself injury-free this coming season.
Well, so much for that.
Ribery could miss the start of the Bundesliga season after picking up an ankle injury during Bayern Munich's training session on Sunday. The knock was originally believed to be nothing but a sprain, but now it has been determined that Ribery suffered ligament damage. Ribery, who admitted his injury dismay to reporters, will now have to wear a cast for the next five days before being assessed again.
The ankle injury is just the latest setback for oft-injured Ribery, who seems likely to miss Bayern's season opener against Borussia Moenchengladbach on August 7.
Here are more stories from around the soccer world:
VILLA CLOSE IN ON N'ZOGBIA CAPTURE
Charles N'Zgobia is on the brink of becoming a member of Aston Villa after the club agreed to a transfer fee with his current club, Wigan Athletic. The fee is estimated to be about $15.4 million. New Villans manager Alex McLeish has long eyed N'Zogbia, having nearly signed the Frenchman while in charge of Birmingham City.
MARTINO TO DECIDE ON PARAGUAY FUTURE ON THURSDAY
Paraguay manager Gerardo Martino will tell team officials on whether he plans to stay with the team or not on Thursday. An Argentine, Martino has been linked with coaching Argentina's national team, which just finished a disappointing Copa America campaign at home. Martino led Paraguay to the tournament final, where Uruguay prevailed 3-0.
PSG SIGNS TWO FRENCH INTERNATIONALS, SERBIAN DEFENDER
Paris Saint-Germain has signed French internationals Jeremy Menez and Blaise Matuidi. Menez, a 24-year-old winger, and Matuidi, a 24-year-old defensive midfielder, join the French heavyweight from AS Roma and Saint Etienne, respectively. Both players made their debuts with France's national team in 2010. PSG also announced the capture of Serbia defender Milan Bisevac, who like Menez and Matuidi has joined the club on a three-year deal.
ORLANDO CITY AFTER ALAN SMITH
Newcastle United's Alan Smith could seen be playing in the United States. but it wouldn't be in MLS. Orlando City S.C., of the USL Pro Division, has revealed its interest in Smith after the former England international expressed how much he enjoys time in Orlando. Despite the interest, Smith still has another year on his current contract and is keen to play it out. Newcastle recently played Orlando City in a friendly, but the Premiership team lost, 1-0.
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What do you think of Ribery's latest injury? Impressed by Villa's looming capture of N'Zogbia? Should Martino continue coaching Paraguay or move on for greener pastures?
Share your thoughts below.
