2010 FIFA World Cup: Top 7 Players Who Will Be Missing In South Africa

The home crowd is often referred to as the 12th man on the field, but it looks as though the 2010 World Cup is going to have a 13th man: injuries.

The tournament kicks off in one week but many die-hard fans will be unable to cheer on their favorite footballers due several top players being ruled out of the competition.

Following are the top 7 injuries that are sure to play a role in South Africa, listed in descending order of the effect they are likely to have.

And please note, this list only includes those who have been ruled out. There are still a number of key players who are struggling to be fit in time for the competition (see my companion article to this piece: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/401449-2010-fifa-world-cup-top-11-injuries-that-will-factor-into-south-africa).

No. 7 - David Beckham (ENGLAND)

David Beckham probably would not have started for the Three Lions, the reason why he is our first entry.

His legendary free kicks, however, would have made him the ultimate super-sub. Combined with his larger-than-life presence and previous World Cup experience, Beckham held the potential to change games.

But alas, all of that became moot and his dreams of becoming the only Englishman to ever compete in four World Cups came to a grinding halt when the world's most recognizable athlete tore his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan.

All is not lost, however, as he is set to assume a coaching role for England in South Africa, which still grants him the opportunity to inspire, as he always does.

No. 6 - Rio Ferdinand (ENGLAND)

A back injury limited Ferdinand to only 13 Premier League appearances for Manchester United this past season. This no doubt why he looked so shaky during England’s last two friendlies, so he tops out at number six.

After recovering from his back injury then playing matches against Mexico and Japan, Ferdinand injured his knee on a challenge from teammate Emile Heskey during a training session on June 4th. Scans revealed ligament damage, which means England will now be without their captain in South Africa.

No. 5 - René Adler (GERMANY)

René Adler became the first choice keeper during Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign following the retirement of Jens Lehmann and Robert Enke's suicide.

Now head coach Joachim Löw will have to make due without his No. 1 in South Africa because Adler received a serious rib injury back in April.

No. 4 - Michael Ballack (GERMANY)

Michael Ballack was ruled out of the World Cup after tearing his medial collateral ligament during Chelsea's FA Cup Final win over Portsmouth on May 15.

At 33 years old, he would have been one of the oldest footballers in South Africa, but losing their captain will almost certainly affect Germany, especially after losing their No. 1 goalie.

No. 3 - Charlie Davies (USA)

Although he is by no means a world-class striker, he was still one of the best the United States had to offer. Coach Bob Bradley had just started to enjoy some success pairing Charlie Davies with the young Jozy Altidore up front when USA suffered this devastating loss.

On October 13, 2009—the night before the Yanks were scheduled to play Costa Rica in a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier—Davies was involved in a fatal automobile accident that claimed the life of the other passenger.

He worked hard to recover in time for this summer's World Cup but Bradley left him off of the roster when Davies' club, French side Sochaux, failed to grant him medical clearance.

No. 2 - Michael Essien (GHANA)

Yet another captain who will miss the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Michael Ballack's Chelsea teammate was officially ruled out of the competition on May 27 after learning he would not fully recover from his knee injury until the end of July.

The loss of Michael Essien spells bad news for Ghana, who drew into Group D alongside Germany, Serbia, and Australia. It may not be the group of death, but when all four sides have a realistic chance of progressing to the knockout stages, it's certainly makes it one of the most competitive.

No. 1 - Didier Drogba (IVORY COAST)

The English Premier League's top scorer for the 2009-10 season fractured his elbow during a friendly with Japan on June 4 and has been ruled out of the World Cup.

Drogba had just scored for the Ivory Coast when he was injured in a clash with Japanese centre back Tulio and left the pitch in the 15th minute.

The injury does not bode well for the Elephants, who need all the help they can get in South Africa, having had the misfortune of drawing into Group G alongside behemoths Brazil and Portugal.

As one of the world's best footballers, fans will miss Drogba's spectacular skills almost as much as the Ivory Coast.