Darren Bent looked set to play a key role for England in the summer Euro finals but that looks all but over now as he has picked up an injury and said to be out for 3 months.
The 28-yea-old striker suffered an ankle injury against Wigan at the wekend. A specialist has confirmed he is likely to be out until the end of May – just one week before the finals start.
Unlucky Bent wrote on Twitter – ‘I’m gutted to be out so long at such a crucial part of the season, hopefully my recovery will be as quick as possible.”
The door is now wide open for Liverpool’s Andy Carroll to grab his place in the starting line up, winger Stewart Downing backed his Liverpool team-mate to step into the breach.
Downing dispelled accusations by former coach Fabio Capello that Carroll’s fondness for a night out was damaging his career.
Downing said – ‘I think it was, when he was asked if Capello’s comments were unfair about Carroll.
He continued – ‘A lot of questions are asked of Andy but he is a quiet lad. Andy has stepped it up with some big performances and I’m sure he’s looking to the Euros thinking he’s got a chance of playing. On his day he’s a handful for anyone.’
However, Carroll hasn’t been called up by caretaker England boss Stuart Pearce, despite having an already inexperienced forward three of Fraizer Campbell, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge .
Spurs right-back Kyle Walker has also withdrawn with an ankle inuury picked up against Arsenal at the weekend.
