The official mascot of the FIFA 2014 World Cup, Fuleco the Armadillo, is seen on a float of Leandro de Itaquera samba school during the first night of the Special Group of the annual Carnival parade in Sao Paulo's Sambadrome February 28, 2014. REUTER
The official mascot of the FIFA 2014 World Cup, Fuleco the Armadillo, is seen on a float of Leandro de Itaquera samba school during the first night of the Special Group of the annual Carnival parade in Sao Paulo's Sambadrome February 28, 2014. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker REUTERS

As the 2014 World Cup looms closer, fans continue to receive major blows with news about their favourite footballers suffering from injuries in the last minutes. A host of big names will already miss the tournament. Now, Frank Ribery and Luis Montes were the latest footballers whose participation in the upcoming 2014 World Cup may be jeopardized because of recent injuries.

According to French news outlet L'Equipe as reported by Metro, Bayern Munich star Frank Ribery has been suffering from back problems and that Didier Deschamps is reportedly contemplating on excluding Ribery from the final 23-man squad, which is expected to be finalised soon. Deschamps let Ribery sat on the bench during France's friendly warm-up match against Paraguay.

France coach Bixente Lizarazu was concerned about Ribery. "We're worried about RIbery because we don't know what he has," said Lizarazu.

In addition to Ribery, Mexico's Luis Montes is in danger of not being able to play in the World Cup after he injured his leg when he clashed against Segundo Castillo during a friendly match against Ecuador, the Daily Mail reported. Mexico's coach said that they could only pray and hope that Montes recover as soon as possible. Montes was immediately brought to a hospital to have his fractured leg evaluated by specialists. The British webloid is almost certain that Montes will not be able to play for Mexico against Brazil, Croatia, and Cameroon in Group A for the World Cup.

The other nations' football teams are beginning to make their final preparations. Thus, Ribery and Montes' injuries and sitting out the tournament will be a devastating blow that can affect the chances of France and Mexico in the upcoming World Cup.

The 2014 World Cup officially kicks off on June 12. France will first play against Honduras on June 15 while Mexico will play against Cameroon on June 13.

MORE ARTICLES TO READ:

Hottest WAGs of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

'Persistence of the Vegetative State or Death Are the Primary Outcomes Remaining' on Michael Schumacher's Condition, Says Former F1 Doctor

Khloe Kardashian and French Montana More Serious Than Ever; Lamar Odom Begins Training With New York Knicks