England will be without left-back Leighton Baines for their forthcoming international fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland after the Everton man sustained a hamstring injury in training. He has returned to his club in order to receive treatment.
Leighton Baines withdraws from England squad
The left-back is the third player to pull out of Roy Hodgson’s squad.
Nigel Roddis/Getty Images
Baines' withdrawal means England boss Roy Hodgson will have to choose Arsenal man Kieran Gibbs at left-back against Slovenia on Saturday, with Manchester United's Luke Shaw having missed out on the final 23-man selection. However, UEFA rules stipulate that Shaw will be available for the friendly against Scotland in Glasgow next Tuesday.
Baines is frustratingly England's third withdrawal through injury in this international break. Shaw's domestic teammate, midfielder Michael Carrick, has returned to Manchester after picking up a groin problem, while Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend was ruled out of action with an ankle injury.
Fortunately, the Three Lions should still have all of their key players available when they take on Slovenia on Saturday.
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