Da Mbabi out of World Cup

Teenage Germany midfielder Célia Okoyino da Mbabi will miss the FIFA Women's World Cup in September as she struggles to recover from a broken shinbone suffered in March.

Time runs out
The 19-year-old SC 07 Bad Neuenahr player has already amassed 27 caps at senior level and took part in five of Germany's World Cup qualifiers. But it is clear she will not be fit in time to play a role in her nation's defence of the trophy in China, and has withdrawn from the 26-strong provisional squad, from which the final party of 21 will be picked.

'A pity'
Germany coach Silvia Neid said: "We knew it would be a race against time. Still it is a pity that she will be out. Célia is one of the biggest talents we have in Germany. I would have liked her in the squad." Da Mbabi added: "For me it would have been a dream to be at the World Cup in China. I hope, however, that was not my last chance." She has been replaced by VfL Wolfsburg's Navina Omilade, with Germany back in action on 29 July at home to Denmark, one of four fixtures prior to their World Cup campaign beginning on 10 September against Argentina.