In-form Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and Cardiff City centre-back Steven Caulker have been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Friday, manager Roy Hodgson revealed on Thursday.
Sturridge, 24, has scored the only goal in three successive games to send Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table, but he aggravated a groin injury in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United.
He will return to Liverpool for treatment, but Hodgson is hopeful that he will be able to join up with the squad for Tuesday’s trip to Ukraine in European qualifying Group H.
“[Sturridge] has worked hard at his treatment and the initial prognosis was that he wouldn’t be fit for either of them, but he didn’t accept that,” Hodgson told a press conference.
“He’s worked very hard and had the necessary treatment, but I think it will be touch and go.
“On Sunday evening we’ll have a training session before heading for Ukraine. If he passes it then he’ll be with us, otherwise then he’ll be staying with Liverpool.”