Glasgow 2014: Katarina Johnson-Thompson Out of Commonwealth Games With Injury

England heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson will miss the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after picking up a foot injury.

The 21 year old was among the strongest medal hopes hsding into the Games, which begin on Thursday, and is expected to succeed Jessica Ennis-Hill and Britain's latest heptathlon sensation.

But the world indoor long jump silver medallist has been forced to withdraw in order to rest ahead of next month's European Athletics Championships in Zurich after taking medical advice following a "stress reaction to her foot".

"I'm absolutely devastated that I'm not going to be able to compete at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow," the Liverpool-born athlete said. "I was so looking forward to competing in another home games and this time as one of the favourites.

"The Commonwealths was a key target for me this year and I was feeling so good in my preparation up until this week so this is a real blow.

"My season so far with a World Indoor medal in the long jump, winning at Gotzis and becoming World number one in heptathlon had really given me the confidence going in to the Games that I could post a big score and hopefully come away with that Gold medal – but sadly it's just not meant to be.

"All the advice is telling me that I risk long term damage if I compete in a heptathlon in just over a week's time and I have to take that advice for the sake of my career.

"I really hope to be able to compete in the long jump at the European Championships next month but it doesn't take away how gutted I am that I won't be at the Commonwealths – particularly after all the amazing support I have already received and I know the crowds would have been fantastic after the reception I got in Glasgow at the Diamond League last week."

Performance Director for British Athletics Neil Black added: "Obviously we're really disappointed for Katarina as the Commonwealth Games was a big target for her this year, but the key thing is ensuring we don't risk her long term career.

"We're confident that with treatment and careful management she will still be in a position to compete in the long jump at the European Championships in Zurich next month, but a heptathlon starting next week could result in long term damage.

"I know she is personally devastated as this was her main aim this season and was determined to take her place on the start line so as not to let the Glasgow 2014 spectators down. However Katarina and her coach Mike (Holmes) are incredibly experienced as an athlete-coach pairing and realise that it is not worth risking a long term injury."