Kieran Gibbs has pulled out of the England Under-21 squad for this month's European Championship due to an ankle injury.
The Arsenal defender was due to travel to Denmark on Wednesday but he aggravated the injury while playing in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Norway at Southampton. England cannot replace Gibbs so Stuart Pearce will have only 22 players to choose from at the tournament, which starts on June 11.
Pearce is confident his side will be able to cope without the Gunners defender. "We have to deal with setbacks every now and again, but we are fortunate to have a squad and a staff with previous tournament experience," Pearce said.
"It's unfortunate for Kieran, but he went for a scan and is in a medical boot."
The injury is so serious that the FA do not expect the defender to play any part in the tournament, which runs up until June 25.
The 21-year-old, who was vying for the left-back spot with Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand, will now stay in England with the injured ankle in a protective boot.
Source: PA
