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Spanish national soccer team head coach Vicente del Bosque gestures during a training session in preparation for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, at Soccer City sports camp in Las Rozas, near Madrid, May 26, 2014. REUTERS/Sergio Perez
(Reuters) - Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is hopeful injured forwards Diego Costa and Jesus Navas will recover in time to feature for the holders at the World Cup finals starting in Brazil in just over two weeks.
"The expectations are good on Diego Costa and Navas," Del Bosque told a news conference on Thursday ahead of Friday's penultimate warm-up match against Bolivia in Seville (9 p.m. BST).
"Tomorrow they will have tests and on Saturday we will make a decision," he added.
Atletico Madrid's Costa has been suffering from a series of muscle injuries in recent weeks and limped out of Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid in the ninth minute.
Navas, of Manchester City, missed the final weeks of the Premier League season with an ankle injury.
Del Bosque has until June 2 to name his final squad for the World Cup finals, when Spain, who are also the European champions, will seek to defend the title they won for the first time in South Africa four years ago.
Should Costa fail to recuperate in time, there is plenty of cover, with players like Fernando Torres, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo of a similar profile.
Del Bosque called up Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu, who was on loan at Everton last season, to replace Navas, and he could make his Spain debut on Friday.
(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Stephen Wood)
The 29-year-old has linked up with his international team-mates ahead of their friendly against Greece on Saturday, but was unable to train because of a muscle injury
Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit by a thigh problem as Portugal continue their preparations for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.
The 29-year-old overcame a hamstring complaint to play in Real Madrid's Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid, but linked up with his international team-mates on Thursday carrying a fresh injury.
The forward was one of five players named on Portugal's official website that were forced to remain on the sidelines - four of whom were nursing thigh injuries.
A brief statement said Ronaldo was suffering from "myalgia (pain) in the posterior region of his left thigh" and underwent specific rehabilitation work at the team hotel.
He was joined there by Raul Meireles, Hugo Almeida, Rubon Amorim and Joao Moutinho, as Portugal prepare for their latest pre-World Cup friendly against Greece on Saturday.
None of these players are believed to be serious doubts for the tournament, though there will be concerns over Ronaldo given the Seleccao's reliance on the forward during qualification.
The reigning Ballon d'Or winner scored a hat-trick in the second-leg of their World Cup play-off with Sweden to almost single-handedly fire Paulo Bento's men to Brazil.
Portugal will need him at his brilliant best if they are to advance from a tough group containing Germany, USA and Ghana.
Their World Cup campaign kicks off with a clash against Germany on June 16.
The England captain believes Paul Scholes is wrong to suggest the Manchester United forward has peaked at 28, and thinks the Old Trafford striker can flourish at the World Cup
England captain Steven Gerrard believes Paul Scholes was "wrong" to suggest that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is past his best.
Scholes questioned whether his former Old Trafford team-mate had already peaked, despite the 28-year-old netting 19 goals in all competitions in 2013-14.
But Liverpool and Three Lions captain Gerrard has backed Rooney - who has entered the past two World Cups with injuries and failed to net at both - to shine in Brazil.
"Paul Scholes is wrong. He's been Manchester United's best player at home and in Europe. He’s been in terrific form," Gerrard said.
"What I’ve seen from his performances in the United team, his form has been really positive.
"He’s in a better frame of mind going into this tournament than he’s had going into previous tournament when he’s had injuries."
In a column for Paddy Power earlier this month, Scholes said: "There's a chance he's worn out.
"Wayne's peak may have been a lot younger than what we'd expect of footballers traditionally. Age 28 or 29 has been the normal 'peak'."
England face Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica in Group D at the World Cup.
The England manager has dismissed Paul Scholes's claims the 28-year-old Manchester United striker is past his best and that Liverpool's approach should be adopted in Brazil
Roy Hodgson has insisted he is not afraid to drop Wayne Rooney if it would be benefical to England at the World Cup.
Paul Scholes said on Monday that the Three Lions must not rely on the Manchester United forward in Brazil, before suggesting the 28-year-old is past his best.
Hodgson, however, feels that Rooney still has time to prove himself on the international stage, but maintains he will leave him out of the starting XI if he feels he must.
"I'd like to think that, as a manager for a long time, I have the capacity to make the decisions that are necessary," he told reporters.
"Secondly, of course I don't think Wayne's past his best. I've selected him in a 23-man squad that I'm very proud of. I believe in Wayne Rooney. He's still a young man.
"My third point is, if I'm going to have to comment and defend people or challenge opinions, I'm going to be a very busy man at this World Cup.
"Maybe the next one is Franz Beckenbauer or Pele. Who knows? If I'm going to answer every criticism from people worthy of that opinion, I'll be busy."
Scholes also suggested Hodgson should look to Liverpool's attacking brand of football during the Premier League season as a basis to work on at the World Cup - but the England boss again dismissed his idea.
"I'm not making any comparisons," said Hodgson. "I'm manager of an England team with 23 to 25 very good players to choose from. The players will never hear me saying we want to do this a la Liverpool, Southampton, Manchester United.
"I don't think we'll manage too many really whirlwind starts if the conditions are going to be as hot as we think they'll be. We have three matches in a short period of time.
"The players can very easily replicate the qualities of their performances in an England squad, so they can do it in a white and red shirt of England.
"In terms of styles of play, the way we've tried to set up over a long period of time doesn't differ greatly from the way Liverpool are trying to approach their games: an attacking style, a passing style, using the qualities of the individual to go out and showcase their skills.
"This is England. The fact is there is no God given right that, just because Liverpool have had a good season, their players should play. The competition will be fierce. It will be up to the Liverpool players who have done well this season to show me and my staff that they deserve to be in the first XI of the England team."
Hodgson thanks Wenger as Wilshere reaches World Cup fitness
By Alex Young
May 29, 2014 11:46:00 PM
The midfielder was sidelined with a foot injury on international duty in March, and the England boss has praised his Arsenal counterpart for his handling of the situation
Roy Hodgson has hailed Arsene Wenger for his role in getting Jack Wilshere fit for England's World Cup campaign.
The Arsenal midfielder injured his foot in a friendly against Denmark in March, with the initial prognosis leaving the 22-year-old on the sidelines for six weeks.
However, Wilshere returned to match action to feature in the Gunners' final game of the season and the FA Cup final victory over Hull City on May 17 - and Hodgson has thanked Wenger for his handling of the situation.
"I was never worried about Jack," he told reporters.
"He's paid tribute to Arsene Wenger in the week, and I would also like to pay my tribute there.
"Arsene is a well balanced and intelligent coach and he realises that to Jack this World Cup represents an opportunity, something which Jack really wanted to do.
"I think he has nursed him well so he is in peak form for World Cup.
"He could have thrown him in a week or two earlier but he was very sensible as far as Jack was concerned."
Alvaro Saborio ruled out of World Cup with fractured metatarsal
By Keith Hickey
May 30, 2014 12:12:00 AM
The Costa Rican striker will miss out on his second global showpiece with the Ticos after sustaining an injury in training
Real Salt Lake and Costa Rica striker Alvaro Saborio will miss the 2014 World Cup and a large portion of the Major League Soccer season after fracturing a metatarsal in his right foot.
According to a short statement released by the team, Saborio will be sidelined for "three to four months" after sustaining the injury during training.
The 32-year-old is his country's leading goalscorer and most-capped active player, with 32 goals in 93 senior apperances, and his absence will come as a blow to Costa Rica's hopes of escaping the intensely difficult Group D featuring England, Uruguay and Italy.
Saborio had bagged eight goals in qualifying to send Costa Rica to the finals in Brazil and had been in red-hot form at club level this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 10 games to help Real Salt Lake to an as-of-yet undefeated start in MLS.
In his absence, Costa Rica head coach Jorge Luis Pinto will likely look to the services of a pair of forwards who spent the 2013-14 season on loan: captain Bryan Ruiz, who joined PSV from Fulham, and youngster Joel Campbell, who spent the campaign with Olympiakos on a temporary deal from Arsenal.
Kolo Toure suffering with malaria ahead of World Cup
By Tom Maston
May 30, 2014 10:19:00 PM
The Ivorian should be able to return to training ahead of the tournament in Brazil after falling ill on a trip to Abdijan before he arrived in Dallas for a training camp
Liverpool defender Kolo Toure will miss Ivory Coast's friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina after being diagnosed with malaria.
The 33-year-old, who previously suffered with the illness in 2008, fell ill during a trip to Abdijan prior to joining up with the Elephants' World Cup squad in Dallas and will now sit out Saturday's match in St. Louis.
Toure's condition is not thought to be serious and team doctor Cyrille Dah believes he will return prior to his side's World Cup opener against Japan in Recife on June 15.
"Since Wednesday Kolo has been having treatment. This treatment will end on Friday," he told the Ivorian Football Federation's official website.
"We have therefore told him to rest. He will not participate in the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but will return early next week."
Toure has made 107 appearances for his country, scoring six goals, and appeared 20 times in the Premier League during his debut season at Anfield.
The Manchester United man believes the familiarity among the group is la Roja's biggest strength as they look to become only the second nation to retain the World Cup
Juan Mata says the familiarity among the Spain players is their biggest strength ahead of the World Cup finals in Brazil.
Vicente Del Bosque’s 2010 winners head to South America next month hoping to match Italy and Brazil's achievements of retaining a World Cup title.
And Mata feels having a core of players that have played together for years, both at club and international level, has played a key role in their triumphs.
"I think we are like a family," he told Laureus.
"We've known each other for a long time and we've played together for the last six to eight years so we feel really comfortable between us and I think this is the key.
"If we can win this World Cup, winning the South African one and two Euros in a row we will be talking about the most successful national team.
"I think there are a lot of good teams. Probably Brazil who are the favourites and then Argentina, Holland, Germany, France, Italy, England, I think they can all try to win."
Mata describes winning the World Cup four years ago as his fondest football memory, but it is testament to Spain's embarassment of riches that the gifted playmaker is not guaranteed a place in Vicente Del Bosque's final party of 23.
"Probably I have the best memories that I have in my career winning the World Cup the first time for Spain and being part of the squad was probably my best moment in my career and one of the best moments in my life," he added.
"I think it's a privilege for a player to be here, to be in the 23 that travel to the World Cup and I will try my best as I always do."
Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama claims players would be far more relaxed at major tournaments if coaches took a softer stance towards the issue
Players would be far better off if they were allowed to have sex during the World Cup, according to former Colombia international Carlos Valderrama.
Mexico boss Miguel Herrera has banned his squad from having sex during the tournament in Brazil, insisting the players "are not going to a party" and must devote their full focus to matters on the pitch.
Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has also urged his players to avoid anything "acrobatic" in the bedroom during the finals, which begin next month, and while Valderrama agrees that players should avoid any physical risks, he insists they would benefit from the added "relaxation".
"If we'd had sex during the World Cup, it would've been better. We would have relaxed after games - especially after defeats. It's total relaxation," he told Ole.
"It's not an impediment. It should be quiet, cool, without inventing crazy poses."
Valderrama earned 111 senior caps for Colombia and featured in the 1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cup finals.
The 1994 and 2002 World Cup winner has taken the time to praise the former Santos man and has admitted the organisation has disappointed the people of Brazil
Former Brazil international Ronaldo - the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer and two-time winner - has big hopes for the national team at this summer's tournament and feels Barcelona forward Neymar can make the difference for the hosts.
The 37-year-old believes Brazil, who face Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon in Group A, come in with more confidence than the victorious 2002 team he was a part of and thinks home advantage will be a huge advantage.
"Brazil are entering the World Cup with much more confidence than we had when we entered the World Cup in 2002," Ronaldo told reporters.
"I believe that the squad we have for 2014 is really strong. We have a balanced team, full of a lot of talent.
"Neymar is a fantastic kid, so talented, he is our great hope for the future.
"Another thing is that we are playing at home, this makes me really wish I were a few years younger and 45 pounds lighter. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Playing at home in front of our fans."
Ronaldo is in danger of losing his goalscoring record to Germany international Miroslav Klose, who has netted one fewer World Cup goal with 14, but he hopes his name will remain in the record books a little longer.
"I wouldn't say that I am not sleeping because of the chance of Klose breaking the record, but I am sending some bad towards him, perhaps just a little.
"My friends and fans are doing the same. However, whatever I do doesn't really matter, records are made to be broken by others.
"I don't have this ambition of being the biggest scorer forever, I don't think it is possible to do that."
Ronaldo then went on to admit he is ashamed the local organising committee have only delivered on '30 percent' of what they promised.
Delays in stadium construction, infrastructure issues and protests have marred the lead-up to the World Cup, which starts on June 12.
"I'm ashamed for the Brazilian people who were expecting big investments and a great legacy for them, for us.
"We promised to rebuild airports and improve transport and infrastructure. I am sorry for all the things we promised and have not completed.
"We have some numbers - only 30% of all the things that were promised will be done in time for the World Cup to get underway. That number is my only concern, for that I'm ashamed.
"The Brazilian people are the ones affected by our failure."
The Olympique de Marseille attacker feels Didier Deschamps' men have what it takes to go all the way in Brazil
Mathieu Valbuena has backed France to cause a shock at this summer World Cup and claim the second title in their history.
After finishing second to Spain in the qualifying campaign, Didier Deschamps' side had to beat Ukraine in the play-offs to book their place at the finals, but Marseille forward Valbuena is confident they will shine in Brazil.
France were humiliated at the 2010 World Cup as they failed to get out of their group, yet Valbuena insists the current squad are determined to do better this time around and give the fans something to cheer about after previous disappointments.
"Winning the World Cup would be legendary," he told L'Equipe. "There are teams better equipped than us, but we believe we can win it.
"Winning our group is within our reach, but we want to go as far as possible, put the passion in the heart of our fans.
"They do not expect us to win. I am confident that we will succeed."
The 29-year-old has made 32 appearances for the national team since making his debut in May 2010.
France meet Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras at the 2014 World Cup.
The Barcelona defender is optimistic about the Selecao's chances this summer, but has insisted they don't feel any extra pressure
Dani Alves has insisted that Brazil are not obsessed with winning the World Cup for a sixth time this summer, but stressed that Luiz Felipe Scolari's men are brimming with confidence after last year's Confederations Cup win.
The South Americans last won the competition in 2002, but have failed to survive the quarter-finals in their last two attempts.
Brazil remain the most successful national team in the world, though, and they are keen to win the World Cup a sixth time at home.
"We are not at all obsessed with the hexa. Neither are we under pressure to achieve it. It's natural to expect a Brazilian triumph, especially when we are playing at home," Alves told Times of India.
"Our performances in the Confederations Cup were an eye-opener for everyone. Beating Italy, Uruguay and Spain, three World Cup champions in back to back matches, to lift the trophy is always special. It boosted our confidence tremendously.
"Brazil play every tournament with the sole intention of winning it. We are always confident. We shall be playing at home which should be an added advantage.
"On the other side, though, the pressure will mount if we play poorly even in one match. The crowd is not going to spare us. However, the experience of the Confederations Cup says that it should go well for us."
The defender admitted that there have been problems organising the event, but he has little doubt the fans will be right behind Brazil once the World Cup kicks off.
"Yes, there are problems. The majority of our population is not happy with the way things have gone, but they are equally interested in supporting us. And we shall try our best to give them what they want -their cup of joy."
Brazil meet Croatia, Cameroon and Mexico in Group A.
The Italy forward believes Roy Hodgson's team does not have the same level of experience as Cesare Prandelli's squad, and thinks the Azzurri can cause a shock in Brazil
Mario Balotelli feels Group D rivals England will be no match for Italy at the upcoming World Cup.
The Milan striker could lead the line for Cesare Prandelli's side when the nations meet in Manaus on June 14 for their opening game of the tournament in Brazil.
In what will be Balotelli's first outing at the tournament, the 23-year-old dismissed any chance of the Three Lions winning the competition or posing a threat to the Azzurri, and says his "experienced" side can spring a surprise in South America.
"I don't look at England as a team that can win the World Cup," The Daily Mail quotes him as saying.
"They have some good players, but they are no real rivals for Italy.
"I am not saying that Italy are favourites, but we have the mentality and experienced players to surprise people - I don't think England have that."
Four-time winners Italy will also contest Group D with Uruguay and Costa Rica as they seek to overcome the disappointment of 2010 - where they bowed out at the pool stage without a win.
With many of the current squad crowned world champions in Germany four years earlier, Balotelli feels their experience could give them an extra advantage against Roy Hodgson's men.
"We have players who have won the World Cup," he explained.
"I don't think England have a player who knows what it is like to play past the quarter-final."
Blatter repeats he is ready to stand for a fifth term
Fri May 30, 2014 7:17pm BST
FIFA President Sepp Blatter (C) speaks during a news conference in Jerusalem May 27, 2014. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
(Reuters) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter repeated on Friday that he was ready to stand for a fifth term and appealed for a truce in armed conflict around the world while the World Cup was being played in Brazil.
"During 32 days, the world actuality (news) will be with football and I hope during this time all belligerent activities in the different corners of the world shall stop and then I would say King Football shall reign," he said.
The tournament kicks off on June 12 with the final taking place on July 13 at the Maracana Stadium.
Blatter, who originally said his current mandate would be his last after being re-elected for a fourth term in 2011, said he would tell the FIFA Congress in Sao Paulo next month that he was willing to stand again if wanted.
"I'm not a candidate for the time being," he said in an interview on FIFA’s website (www.fifa.com). "My mandate will come to an end in 2015 but my mission is still going on.
"A mission is never finished, and I am available to go on with the mission and I will announce that I'm available, but the Congress must say yes or no.
"I’m not going there to say: ‘I’m yours!’ No."
“But, in this context, we must have the unity of FIFA and if the unity is going well with the same person, then they may express it during this Congress.”
The 78-year-old also talked about his suitcase-packing habits.
"It will be easy for me because I'm used to travelling and this will not be a problem. I always do my luggage myself."
"It will be the tenth (World Cup) in a row, my fifth as president, but I have the same feeling as an actor going on the stage and it will be a great World Cup.
"It's something very special, because we are back in the country where the real football is played, big football is played."
(Reporting by Brian Homewood; Editing by Ken Ferris)
Costa Rica's coach Jorge Luis Pinto (R) arranges players of the national soccer team for a photograph before a training session in San Antonio de Belen, near San Jose May 30, 2014. The team is preparing for the 2014 World Cup, which is hosted by Brazil and will begin on June 12. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate
(Reuters) - Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto named the following 23-man squad on Friday for the World Cup finals:
Goalkeepers: Keilor Navas (Levante), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense), Daniel Cambronero (Herediano)
Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Club Bruges), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Junior Diaz (Mainz 05), Cristian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls)
Midfielders: Celso Borges (AIK Stockholm), Christian Bolanos (FC Copenhagen), Oscar Esteban Granados (Herediano), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), Diego Calvo (Valerenga Oslo), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano)
Forwards: Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven), Joel Campbell (Arsenal), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Marco Urena (FC Kuban Krasnodar)
(Reporting by Carlos Calvo in Mexico City. Editing by Rex Gowar)
Dzeko brace as Bosnia beat Ivory Coast in World Cup warmup
Sat May 31, 2014 5:29am BST
May 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Bosnia player Edin Dzeko (11) scores a goal against Ivory Coast during a soccer friendly at the Edward Jones Dome. Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Ivory Coast 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
(Reuters) - Striker Edin Dzeko scored a double to lead Bosnia to a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in an international friendly in Missouri on Friday.
Dzeko scored once each half to give Bosnia a 2-0 lead before Didier Drogba scored a late consolation goal for Ivory Coast, Africa's highest ranked national team.
With both teams having qualified for next month's World Cup, Friday's match gave both sides a chance to limber up for the tournament with little pressure.
Bosnia, who are heading to the World Cup for the first time, dominated the match but squandered a series of opportunities to score.
Dzeko, Bosnia's all-time leading international scorer, gave the eastern Europeans the lead after just 17 minutes when he rifled a shot into the back of the net from just inside the box.
Ivory Coast's goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo had saved a shot from Edin Visca but his block ricocheted straight to the feet of Dzeko, who made no mistake with his shot.
Dzeko scored again in the 53rd minute, controlling Miralem Pjanic's cross with his first touch and volleying the ball into the net on his second.
Ivory Coast created some good opportunities and were finally with a goal in the last minute when Drogba, playing in his 100th international, was brought down by Anel Hadzic.
Already his country's most prolific scorer, Drogba chalked up his 64th international goal when he scored from a free kick.
Bosnia play Mexico in a friendly in Chicago on Tuesday before flying to Brazil to finish off their preparations for the World Cup, where they are drawn in Group F with Argentina, Iran and Nigeria.
Ivory Coast's next warm-up match is against El Salvador in suburban Dallas next Wednesday. The Africans are in the Group C at the World Cup, along with Colombia, Greece and Japan.
Stuani gives Uruguay friendly win as Suarez looks on
MONTEVIDEO Sat May 31, 2014 4:14am BST
(Reuters) - Uruguay missed the clinical finishing of convalescent Luis Suarez when they beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up on Friday.
Only a fine display by visiting goalkeeper Roy Carroll and a poor final touch by the home side in front of goal at the Centenario, site of the first World Cup final won by Uruguay in 1930, prevented a rout.
Substitute Christian Stuani, who came on at halftime for Diego Forlan, put the dominant Uruguayans ahead in the 61st minute from fellow striker Edinson Cavani's pass.
Suarez, England's Footballer of the Year after a brilliant season for Liverpool, is recovering from knee cartilage surgery eight days ago that put his presence at the Brazil finals in doubt.
He has been given a 50-50 chance of making it to the tournament in the 23-man squad coach Oscar Tabarez must name by Monday's deadline.
Uruguay are in a tough Group D along with fellow former world champions Italy and England plus Costa Rica, opening against the latter on June 14.
"We have trouble opening spaces and today was no different. Although we created chances we weren't too clear (headed) but I think we were obviously fair winners," Uruguay captain Diego Lugano said.
"We tried to attack on the outside but the secret of our success will be in the intensity with which we mark, win the ball and strategically counter-attack," the central defender told reporters.
GREAT SAVES
Carroll made two great saves in quick succession in the first half from Edinson Cavani then the rebound from Forlan -hitting his head on the post as he made the second but soon getting back on his feet.
The 36-year-old former Manchester United keeper, now at Olympiakos Piraeus, also saved from Forlan with his chest two minutes into first half stoppage time while Cavani hit the rebound wide.
Forlan, voted best player at the 2010 finals in South Africa, had a fine first half in Suarez's place up front and Gaston Ramirez showed good form on the right side of midfield creating chances.
Defender Sebastian Coates, recently back from injury, was possibly playing for a place in Tabarez's definitive squad in Diego Godin's absence.
Godin, captain Diego Lugano's regular centre back partner, only recently joined the squad in Montevideo after playing for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final last Saturday.
Uruguay have a final preparation match against Slovenia at the same venue next Wednesday, while the Irish move on to Valparaiso to give another warm-up to Chile.
(Reporting by Malena Castaldi; Writing by Rex Gowar; Editing by Nick Mulvenney)
‘No danger of Ribery missing World Cup’ – French FA president
By Robin Bairner
May 31, 2014 3:36:00 PM
The Bayern ace had to undergo a scan on his back on Saturday afternoon, but the results have shown up positively for Les Bleus
Franck Ribery will be present for France in Brazil for the World Cup this summer, French FA president Noel Le Graet has confirmed.
The Bayern Munich winger missed Les Bleus’ 4-0 win over Norway earlier this week and will not feature in Sunday’s friendly against Paraguay in Nice due to a back problem, but a scan in Paris on Saturday afternoon showed positive results for Didier Deschamps’ side.
"The exams that he has undergone have shown there is no danger of him missing the competition," Le Graet told the media.
"He was a little worried because he had a little pain in his lower back, but it is not of a serious injury. He will certainly resume training next week."
Ribery has not always enjoyed particularly popularity in France but after being nominated for the 2013 Ballon d’Or he is widely considered to be a vital player in Deschamps’ side if they are to enjoy a strong run in the competition.
With 81 caps to his name, there is no player in the current French squad who boasts greater international experience than the 31-year-old.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender says it doesn't matter who his team meet in the final, but he would prefer to come up against Didier Deschamps' men
Brazil captain Thiago Silva says he would like to meet France in the final of this summer's World Cup.
Brazil have won the tournament more than any other nation, having been crowned world champions five times in their history. However, their last two outings in the sport's most prestigious competition have ended at the quarter-final stage. As this year's hosts, though, Brazil are one of the favourites to win the trophy.
The 29-year-old centre-back says he will be happy as long as his side make it to the final but admits he would love to come up against France in order to gain revenge for the 3-0 defeat Les Bleus handed the Selecao in the 1998 World Cup final and to meet PSG team-mate Blaise Matuidi.
"My ultimate dream? Brazil in the final! No matter the opponent," he told Le Parisien. "The final could be Brazil against Spain, a repeat of the Confederations Cup final that we won 3-0 last year.
"Or Brazil-Germany or us against Italy. Finally, for me playing all year in France, I would like a final against them!
"Would I like a reunion with Matuidi? Yes, and it would be especially good to have the opportunity to take revenge for the defeat in the World Cup final in 1998.
"It was a great loss and a great disappointment for us. This disillusionment has remained in the memories of all Brazilians."
Costa in, Llorente out - Spain's final World Cup squad revealed
May 31, 2014 12:00:00 PM
Manchester City pair Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas will not be part of la Roja's team in Brazil after Vicente del Bosque confirmed who had been cut on Saturday
Spain have announced their 23-man squad which will travel to Brazil this summer for the World Cup, with Diego Costa making the cut while Fernando Llorente, Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo have all been omitted.
Costa converted from a Brazil international to la Roja earlier this season and had a stunning season with Atletico Madrid, starring as they won La Liga. However, the 25-year-old has been a major fitness worry throughout the last few weeks, with a recurring hamstring problem limiting his participation in the final league match and the Champions League final.
While Costa has been picked to help Spain defend their crown in South America this summer, Juventus forward Fernando Llorente and Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo miss out.
Fernando Torres might not have had the best campaign at Chelsea but his performance against Bolivia on Friday may have helped sway Del Bosque as he will be part of the 23-man squad.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, linked with Barcelona, is one of the relatively new faces in the Spain ranks, supported by veterans like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Gerard Pique.
Manchester City's Jesus Navas will be disappointed to have been considered disposable, though the likes of Juanfran Torres and Cesar Azpilicueta will be delighted be available to Spain.
Spain face Netherlands, Chile and Australia as they bid to defend the World Cup title they won four years ago in South Africa.
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David de Gea
