LONDON (AP) — Calgary-born midfielder Owen Hargreaves will miss England’s friendly against Austria on Friday.
The Manchester United player is being rested in the hope he recovers from tendinitis in time for England’s European Championship qualifier against Croatia on Nov. 21.
The Football Association said Wednesday that Hargreaves will return to Manchester for treatment. Hargreaves, who’s eligible to suit up for England because his father was born there, played in United’s 2-0 win over Blackburn in the Premier League on Sunday but was substituted in the 76th minute.
"Having discussed it with Manchester United, it was felt he should remain in Manchester for treatment until the weekend — with the emphasis on his fitness for the Croatia qualifier," the FA said.
England will fail to qualify for Euro 2008 if Russia defeats Israel in a qualifier and Croatia avoids a loss against Macedonia on Saturday when England is idle.
Hargreaves has not played for England all season as he has struggled with injury since his off-season move from Bayern Munich.