Despite all the progress made, the stories of small steps and large improvements, there's still a very real chance that Charlie Davies won't be sufficiently healthy enough to play in the World Cup next month.


But until you hear that Charlie's comeback has come up short from US Soccer or Charlie himself, don't believe anything you read.


That's today's lesson, painfully taught by a short with an inflammatory headline. The story appeared at FIFA.com (which also posted what Jozy Altidore says was a faked interview) and is the work of AFP (a French news agency).


A story today also appeared on the website of French sports daily L'Equipe, though that particular item does not say Davies has been "ruled out" of the World Cup. It merely states (I think; the French is rusty) that Charlie's progress is a little bumpy. Even if that represents a "setback" (which is arguable), it's not completely unexpected. Davies was never going to go through this struggle without any complicating developments.


So is this a calculated move on the part of Sochaux to send a message to Bradley and US Soccer that they'd prefer their investment not be risked too soon? Perhaps, but the club is refuting the L'Equipe report according to the Shin Guardian, leaving open the question of just who the unnamed sources might be. US Soccer has also denied the report according to Grant Wahl on Twitter, so this telephone game of a story appears to have absolutely no legs.


I would expect Charlie himself to respond via Twitter at any moment, which will put this whole thing to rest once and for all.


Who knows how these things start. Just remember to view every new story with a skeptical eye.


It's a good thing we won't have to wait much longer until the 30-man roster is named, the camp roster is announced, and we have confirmation either way that Davies as least has a shot at the World Cup team.