Manchester
United midfielder Michael Carrick has withdrawn from England’s Euro 2016
qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday because of a calf injury,
manager Roy Hodgson announced on Monday. “It’s a calf injury. We don’t
believe it’s that serious,” Hodgson told his pre-match press conference at
England’s team hotel in Watford, north of London.
“It’s
quite strange because it came out of nowhere. It was at the start of the
warm-up in San Marino. He felt something very small,
very slight and just out
of precaution we pulled him out. “He had a preliminary type of scan here
with our doctors and they decided there was something there. It’s time for
Manchester United to take up the cudgel there and look at it more closely.
“I don’t
think its a long-term injury, but it’s enough to keep him out of the game,
which both he and I are disappointed about.” Carrick, 34, has not played
for England since winning his 33rd cap in March’s draw in Italy and, as a
result, has missed the last three matches.
United
play bitter rivals Liverpool in the Premier League this
Saturday. Carrick’s injury may create an opportunity for Swansea City’s
Jonjo Shelvey, who impressed in a midfield holding role against San Marino on
Saturday but was expected to give way for Carrick against the Swiss.
Hodgson
refused to say if Shelvey would retain his place, but confirmed that he would
make changes to the team that took to the field against San Marino.
England
need a point to secure top spot in Group E, having qualified for next year’s
tournament with three games to spare after winning 6-0 in Serravalle on
Saturday.
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