LONDON: Andros Townsend has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering an ankle injury in Tottenham’s 1-0 win at Stoke City on Saturday.

Townsend’s injury upset follows a similar Brazil diagnosis for north London neighbour Theo Walcott, who would probably have been first-choice for England’s right-wing slot.

The winger will be sidelined for 10 weeks and is to undergo surgery to the joint on his left leg on Thursday.

“Following further examination and consultation, Andros Townsend is to undergo surgery on his left ankle after damaging ligaments during our fixture against Stoke City last Saturday,” a club statement read.

“The injury is likely to sideline the young winger for up to 10 weeks.”

Protective boot

Townsend was injured after coming on 12 minutes from time in Saturday’s 1-0 Barclays Premier League win at Stoke.

The 22-year-old left the Britannia Stadium in a protective boot and underwent an MRI scan on Monday and was assessed further on Tuesday.

The Spurs academy graduate has made 33 appearances in total this term and impressed on loan at QPR at the back end of last season.

Townsend exploded onto the international stage in October, netting on his England debut against Montenegro before helping overcome Poland as Roy Hodgson’s men secured a place in Brazil.

However, he has not enjoyed the best end to the campaign and last started a Premier League match in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on March 16.

That lack of game time affected his World Cup hopes and after this latest injury update, it is guaranteed he will not be among the names when Hodgson picks his World Cup squad on May 12.

Roy Hodgson names his provisional England World Cup squad on May 12.

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