Rodwell and Lansbury ruled out

03 September 2012 13:16
Midfielders Jack Rodwell and Henri Lansbury will miss England Under-21s' European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan on Thursday. Head coach Stuart Pearce decided not to take Rodwell and Lansbury - who made summer moves to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest, respectively - on the trip to Baku for the Young Lions' penultimate Group 8 game.

Pearce was hoping that would give the duo a better chance of recovering in time for next Monday's potentially make-or-break clash with Norway in Chesterfield. Rodwell and Lansbury are currently scheduled to link up with the squad upon their return to the United Kingdom on Friday after being treated at their respective clubs.

Rodwell reported a strain after City's 3-1 Premier League win over QPR, while Lansbury is still struggling with an ankle injury picked up in pre-season. Pearce has opted not to call up any players as cover.

Source: team_talk