Saturday 6 September 2014 04:09, UK
Daniel Sturridge is out of England’s opening European Qualifier against Switzerland on Monday with a thigh injury.
The Liverpool striker suffered a knock in training on Friday and was quickly sent to hospital for a scan, but at that time the Football Association did not reveal the nature of the injury.
The FA revealed via the official England Twitter account that Sturridge would be "assessed by England medics" following the scan, but they later confirmed his absence in a short statement.
That read: “Daniel Sturridge picked up an injury on his thigh in training. He has had a scan and will now return to Liverpool FC for treatment. He will play no part in the forthcoming Switzerland match.”
Sturridge later posted a message on his personal Twitter account, writing: "Heartbroken soul right now. Nothing worse than being injured. Hopefully be back soon fighting fit for LFC."
The news will come as a real blow to manager Roy Hodgson, who has fallen under renewed criticism from the press following his side’s uninspiring 1-0 win over Norway on Wednesday.
There is also a degree of doubt over centre-back Gary Cahill after he also sat out Friday's training session, but his prognosis is more upbeat and he is expected to feature in the Group E opener in Basel.
Chelsea defender Cahill, 28, limped off late on at Wembley with an ankle problem but he is expected to return to training on Saturday.
Should he not return to full fitness, however, it is likely Hodgson will partner Everton captain Phil Jagielka with Phil Jones, who played with Cahill on Wednesday, in Monday's crucial game.
With West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster and uncapped Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback already pulling out through injury, Hodgson has only 17 of the 20-man squad he picked last month.
As a result, several of England's U20 squad made up the numbers in Friday’s session including Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed, Barnsley's Paul Digby and Exeter goalkeeper Christy Pym.
Watch highlights of England's opening European Qualifier away to Switzerland on Sky Sports 5 HD at 10pm on Monday night.
