Torres 'uncertain' for spain opener

36 days to go

Fernando Torres has emerged as a doubt for Spain's opening game against Switzerland on 16 June. The Liverpool striker underwent knee surgery after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee during his club side's Europa League match against Benfica last month.

Liverpool's head of sports medicine Peter Brukner said: "You can't be absolutely certain of anything but at this stage, if he continues to progress the way he is, he should be fit to play at some stage during the World Cup."

Vincente del Bosque, Spain's manager, also has concerns over midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta.

Rene Adler, who would have been Germany's first-choice keeper, has been ruled out of the finals with a broken rib. Coach Joachim Low said: "We are very sorry that Rene will now be operated on, but it's necessary and therefore he's out of the World Cup."

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has handed Ruud van Nistelrooy a lifeline by insisting the Hamburg striker can still make his squad for the finals. "I'm leaving him until 11th May to convince me that he is sufficiently in shape to take part," said Van Marwijk.

England's group opponents USA will be without striker Charlie Davies. The 23 year-old has failed to overcome injuries sustained in a car accident.

Highlights of the day

Fashion moment of the day

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is keeping up with the WAGs, announcing that the World Cup trophy will have a new case designed especially by French fashion house Louis Vuitton. "A trophy as precious as the World Cup deserves a travel case of the same elegance and prestige," he said. "From now on, the trophy will not only travel in safety but in style." Will Abbey Clancy order matching shoes?

Curious selection of the day

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane has named a suspended keeper in his 30-man squad. Faouzi Chaouchi was sent off in the African Cup of Nations for butting a referee and cannot play in the group stages. Still, full marks for optimism.

U-turn of the day

After rushing through an Italian passport last month, Brazilian-born striker Amauri has been snubbed by Azzurri coach Marcelo Lippi and left out of his 29-man squad. Grazie very much, gaffer.