Daniel Sturridge will play no part in England’s European Championship qualifier against Switzerland on Monday after suffering a thigh injury in training.
The Liverpool striker will now return to Anfield for treatment after undergoing a scan.
“Heartbroken soul right now believe me. Hopefully be back soon fighting fit for LFC. Nothing worse than being injured. My heads gone...,” he said on Twitter.
Sturridge’s absence for the start of the qualifying campaign in Basle is a a significant blow for Roy Hodgson. He has become England’s first-choice striker over the past six months, although the England manager has a ready-made replacement in Danny Welbeck.
The newly signed Arsenal striker made an impact after coming off the bench during last Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Norway, and could form a strike partnership with Wayne Rooney.
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Sturridge was a key part of Hodgson’s side at the World Cup and scored in the 2-1 defeat by Italy in Manaus in the team’s opening game of the tournament.
The 25-year-old, who has scored five goals in 16 appearances for England, has prospered since making a £12 million move to Merseyside in January 2013.
But this setback could mean Hodgson is forced to field Welbeck just days after the player rolled his ankle after completing his £16 million transfer from Manchester United.
The 23-year-old has scored eight times in 27 appearances for England and started in defeats by Italy and Uruguay at the World Cup.