Carrick out of England qualifier

01 June 2011 12:00

Manchester United's Michael Carrick has pulled out of the England squad for Saturday's 2012 European Championship qualifier with Switzerland due to injury.

The midfielder reported for duty on Monday evening carrying a 'knock' sustained in the Champions League final and has been unable to train.

After further examination by England's medical staff it has been decided to release Carrick back to Old Trafford for treatment, leaving coach Fabio Capello with 24 remaining members of his squad.

Carrick is believed to be suffering from a hip injury.

It is a blow for the player, who was hoping to make an impression after being called into the England squad for the first time since last summer's World Cup.

His form had improved markedly over the second half of the season, although he was overshadowed by Barcelona's brilliant midfield in Saturday's Champions League final defeat.

It was likely Carrick would have been limited to a substitutes' role anyway, with Scott Parker, Jack Wilshere and Frank Lampard tipped to start.

He is the third player to withdraw.

Fulham keeper David Stockdale has been replaced by West Ham's Robert Green and Jermain Defoe pulled out with a wrist injury.

Source: PA