Fabio Capello is already facing an injury crisis ahead of England’s two Euro 2012 qualifiers after John Terry and Frank Lampard were both ruled out, while Peter Crouch and Bobby Zamora are also doubtful for next week’s games (England 2/7 Group G winners).
The Italian manager will name his squad for the games against Bulgaria and Switzerland on Sunday but is already facing a selection headache following the news about two of his first choice players.
Chelsea announced on Saturday evening that Lampard had a problem with a hernia and would need to undergo surgery on either Tuesday or Wednesday to correct it, ruling him out for the next two weeks.
The 32-year-old endured a difficult afternoon on Saturday, missing a penalty and being forced off midway through the second half of the Blues’ 2-0 win over Stoke.
After the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Lampard would need surgery, stating they had already spoken with the national team to inform them of the situation.
Later in the day, the Blues also revealed that Terry would play no part in either match after picking up a hamstring problem, although a statement on the club’s website claimed he had been playing with it during pre-season.
A statement released on the club’s official website read: “John Terry has tonight (Saturday) been ruled out of England’s next two games due to injuries to his right hamstring and glute muscles.
“John has spoken personally to the England management team, and Chelsea and England medical staff have also been in touch. All are agreed that John’s injuries, that he has carried since pre-season, would benefit from a period of rest and rehabilitation.”
The news will no doubt annoy Capello, who was able to call up and play Terry during England’s friendly with Hungary despite his injury.
More bad news could be on its way to the Three Lions (6/1 not to qualify for Euro 2012) coach after Spurs boss Harry Redknapp revealed Peter Crouch may have broken his ribs during their defeat to Wigan.
Should Crouch have injured his ribs, he would more than likely join Tottenham team mate Jermain Defoe on the sidelines, with the former West Ham forward currently struggling with a groin problem.
Capello’s bad day was rounded off by Fulham manager Mark Hughes revealing that Bobby Zamora had picked up a thigh injury in the 2-2 draw at Blackpool and could miss out.
“Bobby went really stiff at half-time. He thought it was just a bang on the muscle and went out again. But he could not shake it off,” said Hughes.
“I think he must be a doubt (for England) unfortunately. He was really looking forward to getting a chance.”
The Welsh (16/1 to qualify for Euro 2012) manager went on to say that goalkeeper David Stockdale may also be unavailable for an international call-up, with Capello rumoured to be interested in bringing him into the national fold.
Capello will name his squad on Sunday hoping that no more of his star names are forced to withdraw before Friday’s first match against Bulgaria.
Injury woe for Capello
The Italian manager will name his squad for the games against Bulgaria and Switzerland on Sunday but is already facing a selection headache following the news about two of his first choice players.
Chelsea announced on Saturday evening that Lampard had a problem with a hernia and would need to undergo surgery on either Tuesday or Wednesday to correct it, ruling him out for the next two weeks.
The 32-year-old endured a difficult afternoon on Saturday, missing a penalty and being forced off midway through the second half of the Blues’ 2-0 win over Stoke.
After the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Lampard would need surgery, stating they had already spoken with the national team to inform them of the situation.
Later in the day, the Blues also revealed that Terry would play no part in either match after picking up a hamstring problem, although a statement on the club’s website claimed he had been playing with it during pre-season.
A statement released on the club’s official website read: “John Terry has tonight (Saturday) been ruled out of England’s next two games due to injuries to his right hamstring and glute muscles.
“John has spoken personally to the England management team, and Chelsea and England medical staff have also been in touch. All are agreed that John’s injuries, that he has carried since pre-season, would benefit from a period of rest and rehabilitation.”
The news will no doubt annoy Capello, who was able to call up and play Terry during England’s friendly with Hungary despite his injury.
More bad news could be on its way to the Three Lions (6/1 not to qualify for Euro 2012) coach after Spurs boss Harry Redknapp revealed Peter Crouch may have broken his ribs during their defeat to Wigan.
Should Crouch have injured his ribs, he would more than likely join Tottenham team mate Jermain Defoe on the sidelines, with the former West Ham forward currently struggling with a groin problem.
Capello’s bad day was rounded off by Fulham manager Mark Hughes revealing that Bobby Zamora had picked up a thigh injury in the 2-2 draw at Blackpool and could miss out.
“Bobby went really stiff at half-time. He thought it was just a bang on the muscle and went out again. But he could not shake it off,” said Hughes.
“I think he must be a doubt (for England) unfortunately. He was really looking forward to getting a chance.”
The Welsh (16/1 to qualify for Euro 2012) manager went on to say that goalkeeper David Stockdale may also be unavailable for an international call-up, with Capello rumoured to be interested in bringing him into the national fold.
Capello will name his squad on Sunday hoping that no more of his star names are forced to withdraw before Friday’s first match against Bulgaria.
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