Hargreaves out of Austria friendly

Updated 11.45 Wed Nov 14 2007

Keywords: David Beckham, Shaun Wright-phillips, Austria, Manchester United, Croatia, Owen Hargreaves, England, Euro 2008, football, sport

Steve McClaren is hoping Owen Hargreaves will be fit for England's must-win Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley next Wedensday.

The 26-year-old Manchester United midfielder has been forced to pull out of Friday's friendly in Austria as he is still suffering some discomfort from his long-standing tendinitis problem.

"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 Football Association

McClaren has discussed the matter with his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson and it has been decided Hargreaves should remain in Manchester for treatment with the hope that he could still be avilable for the crunch clash with Slavin Bilic's men.

A spokesman for English football's governing body said: "Owen Hargreaves is recovering from a long-term injury.

"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."

Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips also missed England's first training session at Arsenal's London Colney training headquarters but the Chelsea winger is expected to shake off a minor ankle injury.

If he is struggling, the chances of former captain David Beckham winning his 98th cap in Vienna are sure to increase.