Soccer: Italy playmaker on ice but in squad for Cup

New Zealand's two main rivals in Group F of the Fifa World Cup, Italy and Paraguay, are coping very differently with injuries affecting their teams.

Italy's elegant AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo - man of the match in the 2006 World Cup final - injured his left calf muscle in the defeat to Mexico and was to sit out the friendly against Switzerland overnight.

The Italians have, however, damped down speculation that Pirlo, essential as the playmaker, may be invalided out of a significant portion of the tournament.

"Pirlo's is an injury that worries me but luckily we have time," Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said.

"Everybody reacts in a different way and Pirlo will be monitored day by day." Pirlo will travel with the team to South Africa and continue to be evaluated ahead of Italy's tournament opener against Paraguay on June 14.

Castellacci also said such injuries take 15 to 20 days to heal, so Pirlo could be back in time for Italy's second group match, against New Zealand on June 20. All teams have up to 24 hours before their first match to replace a squad member.

Paraguay, meanwhile, are having to do without their talisman, striker Salvador Cabanas, who survived a gunshot wound to the head in January, but are using him as a source of inspiration. Paraguay President Fernando Lugo sent a letter to team members asking them to remember Cabanas if they encounter difficult moments at the World Cup.

Cabanas, the team's star striker, was shot in the head in a Mexico City bar. He played in Mexico for Club America. The main suspect is still at large.

"Remember our beloved, stupendous example of gritty Paraguay spirit - Salvador Cabanas," Lugo wrote. "He is a magnificent example of how the fighting spirit, a strong will and faith helps us respond in the face of adversity."

Cabanas was released two weeks ago from a rehabilitation clinic in Buenos Aires. Doctors have been surprised by his recovery and, though he was left off the World Cup squad, some have speculated he may eventually return to play. Surgeons treating Cabanas immediately after the shooting opted to leave the bullet fragment in his skull, judging that an attempt to remove it would be too risky.

The Mexico City newspaper Reforma reported that one bar employee overheard the suspected shooter tell Cabanas he wasn't scoring enough goals for [his Mexican club] Club America and when Cabanas didn't respond, the suspect shot him.

Another is that Cabanas's brother-in-law had earlier had a conversation with the Cuban dancer who accompanied the shooter, upsetting him. Six employees of the bar, according to an Associated Press report, allegedly "either helped the suspect escape, covered up evidence or failed to provide information on the crime." All were later released on bail.

In another injury issue, Brazil's star, midfielder Kaka, says he is ready to take on the responsibility of being Brazil's leader at the tournament.

Kaka has been heavily affected by injuries that have put in doubt his performance. The Real Madrid playmaker, however, is confident he will be in good physical condition when the World Cup begins.

"I am getting better every day," Kaka said. "The injury does not bother me any more. I've been doing everything planned so far and by the time we play the opener I will be in great condition."

Kaka is coming off an injury plagued season. He sustained groin and thigh problems that kept him sidelined for 45 days at one point, unable to perform like the Fifa player of the year he once was.

Brazil doctors said the groin problem is not an issue anymore, and that the left thigh ailment should not keep Kaka from starting for Brazil in their World Cup opener against North Korea on June 15.