Cahill’s World Cup Chances Cut Short by Clot

Bolton – Gary Cahill’s chances to play for England in the World Cup was not too great to begin with. But with this blood clot, his chances may be even smaller now.

Cahill was called to play during a qualifying game against Kazakhstan. At the young age of 24, he was “delighted” to receive the call.

But things took a turn. The Bolton Wanderers defender was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a blood clot on his left arm.

Cahill was first taken to the hospital after complaining of tightness and his arm later swelled. “There was no way he could play so we took him straight off to hospital,” Bolton manager Owen Coyle said to UK’s The Telegraph. “It turns out he had a blood clot in his arm, so he is going to be out for a number of months.”

Although Coyle believes Cahill can return later in the season, his chances of playing for England national team may be cut short. Fabio Capello only wants healthy players on his squad.

“I thought that if he kept playing to the level that he was then he’d have been in the World Cup squad,” Coyle added. “Having seen the quality of players England have — and they do have quality in that position — then Gary wouldn’t be out of place. There is no doubt about that, but it looks as if that will now pass him by.”

“Gary has thought everything through and he knows he is going to be fine,” Coyle said. “Ultimately when he gets the green light, he will be energised and will be able to resume his career. There is no doubt he is going to have a wonderful career.”

Cahill has 78 caps for Bolton and is the club’s leading scorer for this season. He has yet to win a full cap for the international team.