Massive Blow: EPL star to miss England action with thigh injury!
Apr 6, 2019 at 2:14 PM
England has been hit with yet another injury blow ahead of their World Cup qualifiers with Malta and Slovenia.
With names including Glen Johnson, Nathaniel Clyne, and Raheem Sterling all making the injury list this week, Everton’s Phil Jagielka became the latest player to join them on Friday.
The Everton defender pulled out of the squad this week after suffering a thigh injury, returning to Merseyside for further treatment.
Jagielka, who didn’t take part in England’s full training session on Tuesday, left the camp on Wednesday but interim boss Gareth Southgate isn’t planning to call upon a replacement.
The decision could increase the chances of Burnley defender Michael Keane getting a run-out in an England shirt for the first time with Chris Smalling and John Stones also possible options.
Chelsea’s Gary Cahill also missed Friday’s training session but isn’t likely to be ruled out of the Malta game.
According to the BBC, the injury sustained by Jagielka isn’t a long-term issue and the Everton defender is in contention of returning when they face Manchester City next Saturday.
Bar Jagielka and Cahill, the rest of the England squad attended Friday’s session at St George’s Park as planned with no further injury worries.
The Three Lions, who are joint top of group F, are behind Scotland on goal difference after a 1-0 win over Slovakia last month in Sam Allardyce’s first and only game as England boss.
Following Malta, Southgate’s men will face Slovenia in Ljubljana on Tuesday night.