Manchester United defender Chris Smalling a doubt for Euro 2012 with groin problem
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United's Chris Smalling has emerged as an early injury doubt for Roy Hodgson's England Euro 2012 squad, with a groin problem which was troubling him by the end of his side's victory over Swansea on Sunday proving more serious than initially had been thought.
The 22-year-old has experienced limited football in the past month and his return against Manchester City last week was his first game in four weeks. But the groin injury which Sir Alex Ferguson said was a minor problem does look as if it will prevent him playing a part in his club's visit to Sunderland next Sunday. His involvement this summer looks to be in jeopardy.
Rio Ferdinand trained yesterday and he looks as if he will be fit for the Sunderland game, during which United must hope City falter at home to Queen's Park Rangers. Ferguson has said he had "a bit of a spasm in his groin" and would be fit for the Stadium of Light. In what is looking like one last injury headache in a season which has been full of them, Jonny Evans is also likely to the miss Sunderland game, with an injury sustained when Darron Gibson trod on his foot against Everton also worse than had been first thought. Evans was forced to pull out yesterday from a testimonial game for the former United player Harry Gregg, scheduled for Belfast next week.
Smalling has looked comfortable for England and his versatility, revealed in some sparkling performances at right back for United earlier this season, has made him a strong contender for Hodgson's squad. He made his debut at right back in the 3-0 Euro 2012 qualifer in Bulgaria last September and was in central defence for the 3-2 home defeat to the Netherlands, under Stuart Pearce in February.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments