England coach Fabio Capello has admitted that Gareth Barry is likely to miss out being named in his World Cup squad.
Capello will name his 30-man provisional squad on Tuesday as he begins the countdown to the finals in South Africa.
Barry was set to start England’s starting in South Africa after featuring in all but three of Capello’s 22 games in charge.
However, the ankle injury Barry picked up in last week’s defeat to Tottenham looks set to see him ruled out of the tournament.
“It’s too long,” Capello said of Barry’s injury, which is expected to keep him out for four weeks.
Capello also offered his support for Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard following a poor season by his own high expectations.
“I am sure that Steven Gerrard will be one of the most important players for the World Cup,” added Capello.
“He knows what he has to do during games and that is important. As a manager you create the style on the pitch and the spirit of the group. It’s important that these players are with me in South Africa.”
