Read the latest on injuries affecting Fabio Capello's England players ahead of World Cup 2010.

England coach Fabio Capello is watching eagerly as his players finish the season, hoping for no more damaged metatarsals or tweaked hamstrings.

The sight of Wayne Rooney limping back into Manchester on crutches must have doubled his heart rate, and here Telegraph Sport looks at the wounded and injured and considers their hopes of being fit for South Africa.

DAVID BECKHAM:
The problem: torn Achilles tendon.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: None.
The former England captain may or may not have gone to the World Cup 2010 but a serious injury in Italy has effectively solved one problem for Capello. We just hope he will be back later this year.

WES BROWN
The problem: dreaded broken metatarsal.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: Good.
Should be ready provided he keeps on track. Is due to return towards the end of the month having damaged his foot against Wolves in early March.

GARY CAHILL:
The problem: blood clot in arm.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: Reasonable.
Has returned ahead of schedule, last weekend, having been out for two months. Early forecasts ruled him out of the World Cup finals, but as long as there are no complications. Should be available.

JERMAIN DEFOE
The problem: hamstring.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: Good.
He was back on the bench for Spurs at the weekend and should return for the FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth this weekend. Vital for England’s cause.

ASHLEY COLE
The problem: broken ankle.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: Improving.
Will have little preparation for the World Cup but is naturally very fit and if he returns, as expected, for the final couple of Chelsea games the best left-back in the world should be ready.

DAVID JAMES:
The problem: Calf muscle strain.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: Good.
He came off at Spurs as a precaution so as not to create further problems. But is this a sign that age is taking its revenge?

JERMAINE JENAS
The problem: Groin.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: Little.
The Spurs midfielder, who played against Brazil, is showing little sign of progressing and is causing concern at Tottenham. A fringe player, his hopes are minimal.

LEDLEY KING
The problem: Thigh.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: None.
A fully fit King would be a bonus but a succession of problems continues to frustrate. When he plays he is outstanding, but too big a gamble for Capello.

AARON LENNON
The problem: Groin.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: 50-50. Lennon has made a big impact on Capello and would be a certainty if full fit. But the Spurs medical team are perplexed as to why his return from injury – out since Christmas – is taking so long.

JOLEON LESCOTT
The problem: Hamstring.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: Minimal.
The Manchester City defender recovered from a knee problem but after seven games suffered a hamstring injury and is not expected back until the first week of May.

MICHAEL OWEN
The problem: Hamstring.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: None.
The striker has undoubtedly helped Wayne Rooney's game at Old Trafford but a cruel injury has ruled him out for the season – and ruined his chances of ever playing for England again.

PAUL ROBINSON
The problem: Hamstring.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: Excellent prospect.
The goalkeeper, third choice for Capello, pulled up at former club Spurs a week earlier and missed the 0-0 draw at Portsmouth on Saturday. Should be okay.

WAYNE ROONEY
The problem: Ankle.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: Good.
The nation is waiting with bated breath to consider the extend of his injury. He was ruled out for clash with Chelsea, but prospects are improving every day and reports suggest he could even be back against Bayern Munich. England expects...

JONATHAN WOODGATE
The problem: Groin.
Chances of being fit for South Africa: None.
The Spurs defender has flown to the USA and Australia in search of a cure. An operation has taken place and Spurs are waiting to see when he could return.