Smalling to miss European Championship

Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling will miss Euro 2012 with a groin injury.

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Manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the news this morning after Smalling suffered the injury during last week's win over Swansea at Old Trafford.

"Chris has suffered a bad injury," said Ferguson.

"It is a groin muscle injury and he will miss the European Championships.

"We are assessing what to do at the moment but it is a bad injury."

Ferguson confirmed Danny Welbeck would be available for this summer's tournament, even though he will miss Sunday's trip to Sunderland with an ankle injury.

"He is still out just now but he should be fit for the Euros," Ferguson said.

Ferguson confirmed Phil Jones would replace Smalling at the Stadium of Light, where United, if they are to win the Premier League title, must win and hope Manchester City fail to beat QPR in their final game.

Ferguson said: "We can only do our best and try to win the game, and hope something stupid happens to Manchester City."