SUNDERLAND defender Dennis Cirkin has been forced to withdraw from the England Under-21 squad for the European Championship training camp.
It's a big blow for the left-back, who had to pull out of Lee Carsley's squad with injury back in March after receiving his first call-up.
The hamstring injury he suffered two-and-a-half months ago sidelined Cirkin for six Championship games but he returned to play every minute of Sunderland's successful play-off campaign, and earned another call-up to the Under-21 squad for the get-together prior to this summer's European Championships.
But he's again been forced to withdraw because of what the FA say is a "medical issue".
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Looking back on his forced withdrawal in March, Cirkin told the Northern Echo earlier this month: "That was a tough time for me.
"It was such a mix of emotions at that time. I was really high then with the injury you crash, but at the same time I just tried to stay steady.
"I was extremely grateful for the call-up, to the gaffer Lee Carsley for the call. Like I said before, things happen and hopefully the opportunity comes again."
Cirkin is on of three enforced withdrawals from Carsley's squad.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Tottenham's Dane Scarlett have also had to pull out because of injuries.
Manchester City's James McAtee has now been called up. City boss Pep Guardiola recently said the 22-year-old attacking midfielder and team-mate Rico Lewis had a “choice” to make between playing at the Club World Cup this summer or for the Young Lions in Slovakia.
McAtee has scored seven goals in 18 appearances for Lee Carsley’s Under-21s and on Friday was added to the expanded squad preparing to retain the title won in Georgia two years ago.
Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham and Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney have joined up. Carsley’s final squad for this summer's tournament will be announced on Friday.
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