Daniel Sturridge and Diego Costa Ruled Out of England and Spain Qualifiers Through Injury

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of England's opening European Championship qualifier against Switzerland after suffering a thigh injury.

Sturridge, 25, withdrew from training at St George's Park on Friday and underwent a scan to determine the extent of the knock ahead of the trip to Basel on Monday 8 September.

An FA spokesman said: "Daniel Sturridge picked up an injury on his thigh in training.

"He has had a scan and will now return to Liverpool FC for treatment. He will play no part in the forthcoming Switzerland match."

The statement also confirmed England manager Roy Hodgson has opted to not call up a replacement in the Liverpool striker's absence, suggesting Danny Welbeck will be selected in his place after impressing during a 20-minute cameo in the 1-0 victory over Norway on Wednesday 3 September.

Chelsea have also learned their striker Diego Costa has withdrawn from the Spain squad ahead of their qualifier against Macedonia with a hamstring injury.

The 25-year-old, who has scored four goals in his first three games for the Blues, struggled in the defeat to France in a friendly on 4 Septmeber and was eventually replaced in the 67<sup>th minute.

The Spanish football federation have since confirmed the striker has been nursing a knock and will miss Monday's game with Barcelona teenager Munir El Haddadi coming in to replace him for the Group C clash.

A statement read: "Diego Costa has a myofascial injury to his hamstring muscle in his left thigh. The injury was detected with an MRI scan after the player expressed some discomfort during yesterday's match against France.

"All the tests carried out by the medical staff will be sent to Chelsea."