Midfielder Frank Lampard could miss England's friendly with Brazil in Doha with a thigh muscle injury.
The Chelsea star is reported to have pulled out of training on Thursday and will not be risked by head coach Fabio Capello.
Lampard is now expected to leave Qatar and return to Stamford Bridge for treatment.
Capello is already without a string of key players for the high-profile meeting with the five-time world champions.
Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United, Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and Lampard's Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole were all omitted from the squad through injury.
Former captain David Beckham has also pulled out due to club commitments with his Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.
Lampard's absence could open the door for Michael Carrick of Manchester United to stake his claim for a place in the final World Cup squad.
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