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Gerrard joins big name England withdrawals

Other News Materials 16 November 2008 20:53 (UTC +04:00)

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of England's friendly against Germany in Berlin on Wednesday because of a torn leg muscle, CNN reported.

England will miss the experienced Gerrard in Berlin on Wednesday.

Liverpool said the midfielder picked up the injury in the club's 2-0 victory at Bolton on Saturday.

"A scan this morning has confirmed a tear in the adductor magnus muscle in his right leg, and he is expected to be out between seven to 10 days," said Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton.

The absence of Gerrard is another blow for England coach Fabio Capello, who has also lost Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and defender Rio Ferdinand to injuries.

Chelsea's Joe and Ashley Cole and Wigan striker Emile Heskey had already been ruled out.

Chelsea also said that team captain and centerback John Terry is to have a scan on a foot injury to determine whether he can go to Berlin.

Although Capello plans to use the friendly to experiment with backup players, the Italian does not want to lose the continuity that has brought England four World Cup qualifying victories in its first four games.

Now he looks certain to face the Germans without half of his regular lineup.

He has also dropped David Beckham because he hasn't played competitive football since the Los Angeles Galaxy failed to reach the Major League Soccer playoffs.

The England players are due to train at Arsenal's London Colney ground on Monday before flying out to Germany on Tuesday.

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