Everton and Australia star Tim Cahill has spoken of the injury to Germany captain Michael Ballack, saying he feels for his Chelsea counterpart.
Ballack was injured in a strong challenge from Ghanaian and Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng in the FA Cup final on Saturday and has been ruled out of next month's World Cup with ankle ligament damage.
Cahill, who was set to play against Ballack in Group D of the tournament, said he really felt for Ballack who has been forced to the sidelines for the world's biggest sporting event whilst he was at the other end of the scale in regards to fitness.
"I feel sad for him and his family. He's a fantastic player who it would have been great to play against, and he'll be absolutely devastated at missing the World Cup," Cahill said.
"They do have plenty of depth in their squad though, and while it's a big loss for them it's also a big chance for someone else.
"I know I was lucky to play in the last World Cup -- basically I did my posterior (ligament) and the physio said I had no chance. I was lucky that with good strapping and good physio they got me out there.
"But now I'm going to a World Cup fully fit. There's a few niggles here and there but that's just standard for footballers . . . It's the opportunity of a lifetime to make something special for Australia."
