Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifying tie against Ukraine next week, leaving manager Roy Hodgson short of attacking options.
The Liverpool striker missed the Three Lions’ 4-0 victory over Moldova on Friday after aggravating a thigh injury in the Reds’ 1-0 derby triumph over Manchester United.
Sturridge, who has scored five goals in four games for Liverpool already this season, was hoping to win the fitness battle in time for England’s crucial Ukraine clash.
But after returning to the Merseyside outfit’s Melwood training ground for additional treatment last week, the FA confirmed he will not be fit for the game, with the forward’s likely return to fitness not detailed by club or country.
The news will not be well received by Hodgson, who has only Rickie Lambert and Jermain Defoe to choose from up front against Ukraine, following Danny Welbeck’s suspension for a harsh yellow card during the Moldova win.
The full statement read: “The FA can confirm that Daniel Sturridge will not return to the England squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Ukraine on Tuesday.
“Club England medical staff have been in constant contact with their counterparts at Liverpool Football Club since he returned there on Thursday, his injury has not progressed as had been hoped and it is now clear that Sturridge will not be fit for the match in Kiev on Tuesday evening.
“No additions will be made to Roy Hodgson’s squad of 23 players who travel to Ukraine on Sunday evening.”
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