Post by 2+2 on Jun 15, 2004 14:35:11 GMT 1
Nicky Butt looks certain to be ruled out of the remainder of Euro 2004 after scans confirmed the England midfielder has suffered medial ligament damage to his knee.
The Manchester United man sustained the injury in training and, although the indications are that the player will remain with the rest of the squad to watch the clash with Switzerland in Coimbra, it seems certain his hopes of being involved in the tournament are over.
England requested a replacement but, with the action underway, it always seemed unlikely that they will be allowed to draft in a fresh face.
Uefa ruled that the circumstances did not dictate Scott Parker or striker Jermain Defoe being allowed to head for Portugal because Sven Goran Eriksson already has a number of midfielders in his squad as cover.
Butt has been an integral part of Eriksson's plans since starring in the World Cup but he lost his place to Frank Lampard in the Group B opener against France on Sunday night.
Five other players sat out training on Tuesday morning, including Paul Scholes who is looking increasingly doubtful for Thursday's match.
The Manchester United star has an ankle problem and club team-mate Gary Neville also missed out with a calf problem.
Captain David Beckham, Sol Campbell and Steven Gerrard sat things out too although their injuries are far less serious - the trio are nursing painful blisters.
The Manchester United man sustained the injury in training and, although the indications are that the player will remain with the rest of the squad to watch the clash with Switzerland in Coimbra, it seems certain his hopes of being involved in the tournament are over.
England requested a replacement but, with the action underway, it always seemed unlikely that they will be allowed to draft in a fresh face.
Uefa ruled that the circumstances did not dictate Scott Parker or striker Jermain Defoe being allowed to head for Portugal because Sven Goran Eriksson already has a number of midfielders in his squad as cover.
Butt has been an integral part of Eriksson's plans since starring in the World Cup but he lost his place to Frank Lampard in the Group B opener against France on Sunday night.
Five other players sat out training on Tuesday morning, including Paul Scholes who is looking increasingly doubtful for Thursday's match.
The Manchester United star has an ankle problem and club team-mate Gary Neville also missed out with a calf problem.
Captain David Beckham, Sol Campbell and Steven Gerrard sat things out too although their injuries are far less serious - the trio are nursing painful blisters.
