LONDON (AP) - English national team winger Andros Townsend will miss the World Cup because of a left ankle injury.
Tottenham said Wednesday the 22-year-old needs surgery to repair ligament damage and will be out for 10 weeks.
Townsend has made five appearances for England and was a candidate for the World Cup roster that England coach Roy Hodgson plans to announce May 12.
“He had a fantastic debut bursting onto the scene, and he did really well,” Hodgson said. “I have been a bit disappointed for him that he has not had as much playing time over recent months … but to see him ruled out like this with a serious ankle injury is a cruel blow.”
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez already had been ruled out of the tournament because of injuries.
Hodgson remains hopeful Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere will recover in time along with Everton defender Phil Jagielka.
Tottenham right back Kyle Walker hasn’t played since March because of a pelvic injury.
“We haven’t been told for certain that he will be out for the next six to 10 weeks but we are concerned that it has been a long time he has been out,” Hodgson said. “During that time he has not been able to do any training with the rest of the team as far as I know. I know he has had another injection. We are waiting to find out whether that helps.”
Wilshere hasn’t played since breaking his left foot during England’s exhibition win over Denmark in March, Arsenal doesn’t “want to push him back too early,” Hodgson said.
Hodgson said he had been reassured by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that there isn’t “too much to worry about” Oxlade-Chamberlain’s prospects of recovering from a groin injury.
Jagielka has not played for Everton since February because of a hamstring injury.
“He has been participating to a decent level in training,” Hodgson said. “Everton have keen not to throw him back in before his injury is 100 percent right. We don’t have any fears he won’t be fit to come with us.”
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