Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has withdrawn from England’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday because of a calf injury, manager Roy Hodgson announced on Monday. “It’s a calf injury. We don’t believe it’s that serious,” Hodgson told his pre-match press conference at England’s team hotel in Watford, north of London.
“It’s quite strange because it came out of nowhere. It was at the start of the warm-up in San Marino. He felt something very small, very slight and just out of precaution we pulled him out. “He had a preliminary type of scan here with our doctors and they decided there was something there. It’s time for Manchester United to take up the cudgel there and look at it more closely.
“I don’t think its a long-term injury, but it’s enough to keep him out of the game, which both he and I are disappointed about.” Carrick, 34, has not played for England since winning his 33rd cap in March’s draw in Italy and, as a result, has missed the last three matches.
United play bitter rivals Liverpool in the Premier League this Saturday. Carrick’s injury may create an opportunity for Swansea City’s Jonjo Shelvey, who impressed in a midfield holding role against San Marino on Saturday but was expected to give way for Carrick against the Swiss.
Hodgson refused to say if Shelvey would retain his place, but confirmed that he would make changes to the team that took to the field against San Marino.
England need a point to secure top spot in Group E, having qualified for next year’s tournament with three games to spare after winning 6-0 in Serravalle on Saturday.
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