Arsenal winger Theo Walcott withdraws from England squad

The Football Association says Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has withdrawn from the England squad to play Italy with a bruised thigh.

He has returned to his club as precautionary measure, while the rest of the international side flies to Switzerland Tuesday, where they will play Euro 2012 runner-up Italy in Berne.

The FA says on its website that Walcott had "a slightly bruised thigh and was unable to train fully" and that "no replacement will be added to the squad."

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and and Walcott's Arsenal teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have already withdrawn from the England squad with injuries.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.