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Missing from World Cup action: Stars sidelined

By Mike Corder
Published June 7, 2014 8:06pm ET
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Missing from World Cup action: Stars sidelined
In this picture taken Friday June 6, 2014 German national soccer player Marco Reus lies on the pitch during the friendly soccer match between Germany and Armenia in Mainz Germany. Reus was helped off the pitch after twisting his left ankle while challenging Artur Yedigaryan for the ball. Reus immediately dropped to the grass and appeared in considerable pain. Team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt shook his head as he assisted the Borussia Dortmund player off the pitch. Reus was taken to the hospital to determine the full extent of the injury. AP Photo/dpa,Thomas Eisenhuth) | Thomas Eisenhuth

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Elite professional footballers may be pampered like royalty, but near constant training and grueling club and country commitments are taking their toll on the World Cup before the tournament even kicks off in Brazil.

Germany midfielder Marco Reus on Saturday became the latest player to pull out of the global football showcase, joining the likes of Frank Ribery, Radamel Falcao, Theo Walcott and several other big names who will be watching the World Cup in between trips to the doctor or physio.

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