AIMEE WILLMOTT has been forced to withdraw from the British squad for this summer’s World Swimming Championships because of a long-standing knee problem.

Willmott has been suffering with a knee injury since February, but had hoped to complete her recovery in time to compete at next month’s Worlds, which will be staged in Budapest.

However, the injury continues to hamper her training, and the Middlesbrough swimmer has opted to withdraw from the British squad in order to receive treatment.

She will undergo keyhole surgery tomorrow in an attempt to get to the bottom of the problem, and is unlikely to return to competitive action this season.

“After a difficult few months, it is with sadness that I am withdrawing from the World Championships,” tweeted Willmott. “I have been suffering with a knee injury since February and since I haven’t had the easiest of journeys.

“I will have keyhole surgery to investigate the cause, and I am more determined than ever to get myself back on track and raring to go in September to work towards next year.”

Double Olympic medallist Jazz Carlin has also been forced to withdraw from the British squad after suffering an interrupted preparation because of injury and illness.

“Both swimmers are a loss to the team, but we respect their decisions which we believe will have a positive impact on their long-term futures,” said British Swimming head coach Bill Furniss.

“Unfortunately, Aimee has been fighting a knee injury for a few months now. A decision has been made as she can’t get herself into a competitive condition in time for the World Championships.

“Aimee will be taking a longer break this summer in order to fully recover from injury, and then work towards being in the best shape possible at the start of next season.

“I’m disappointed for Jazz and Aimee, and it is a loss to the team, but we will have lots of athletes fully prepared for the World Championships and we’re looking forward to it.”