• World Cup

Four weeks out for Gareth Barry

ESPN staff
May 7, 2010
Gareth Barry injured his ankle on Wednesday © Getty Images
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Gareth Barry has been ruled out for four weeks with an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability for England's World Cup bid.

Barry limped out of Manchester City's defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday and was in real distress as he was helped off the field.

City boss Roberto Mancini attempted to play down the severity of the problem on the night of the game, but a scan has confirmed ligament damage that will require four weeks to remedy.

"I am sorry for him because Gareth is a fantastic guy, a fantastic player," Mancini said on Friday. "I hope that he can play in the World Cup. It is four weeks, but I am hopeful for him."

England boss Fabio Capello will name his provisional 30-man squad for the finals on Tuesday and said earlier in the year that he would only consider players who were fit.

However, with a number of key players nursing problems of varying degrees, Capello may choose to hand the midfielder every chance to shake off the problem before he has to whittle down his squad.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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