Theo Walcott looks to be out of England's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro after picking up a groin injury in training.
Walcott is expected to be ruled out for the next two weeks, with the problem likely to infuriate Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ahead of a key month in the Premier League for the Gunners.
They have four games before the middle of April and will be looking to pick up maximum points in their pursuit of London rivals Chelsea and Spurs for the Champions League places, currently trailing them by five and four points respectively.
It is thought the 23-year-old sustained the problem during a light training session with the Three Lions squad as they gear up for their clash against unfancied San Marino.
But while Walcott bows out of contention, his place in the England squad is expected to be taken by his Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who earns a huge chance to impress.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to start on the right of an attack minded 4-5-1, with Wayne Rooney playing behind Jermain Defoe.
At the back, with Rio Ferdinand having turned down a spot in the squad and Gary Cahill injured, Roy Hodgson is expected to resist the temptation to bring in Michael Carrick at centre back.
Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott are expected to form a relatively inexperienced pairing at the heart of the defence.
Leighton Baines will have an opportunity at left-back and Jermain Defoe is set to lead the line, with a firm eye on rotation as England bid for points in the race to the World Cup in 2014.
FLASHBACK: What happened when England played San Marino in 1993?
~Metro » Football | Metro UK~
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