Bent ´gutted´ to miss Netherlands clash

England striker Darren Bent has pulled out of the upcoming friendly against the Netherlands due to a shoulder injury.

The two teams clash at Wembley on Wednesday, and opposition forward Robin van Persie could join the Aston Villa man on the sidelines after falling prey to an ankle injury during Arsenal’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Benfica.

The English international has explained his absence, posting on Twitter: “Gutted I had to pull out of the England squad.”

“The shoulder has been bothering me and wanna [sic] make sure I’m fully fit for the big KO [Premier League kick-off] next week.”

Danny Welbeck, Scott Parker and goalkeeper Robert Green could also be out of the team as they are all expected to undergo assessment by the FA’s medical staff.

The Three Lions’ coach Fabio Capello has stressed the importance of such procedures, insisting that a few of his players may be some way from match fitness.

“Possibly some players will not be completely fit, they might have a little pain,” he told Sky Sports.

“The manager says why are you playing in a friendly game? We need you for an important game on Saturday in the Premier League. I know how they think. I remember this problem.”

“But if the player decides he wants to go to the national team, it is impossible to stop him. He might say he thinks he is OK or the pain is not so strong.”