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LONDON, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is a major doubt for England's final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia after being ruled out of Friday's friendly in Austria.
Hargreaves, who has been troubled by a long-standing knee injury this season, will remain in Manchester for treatment and his fitness will be assessed after that, the FA confirmed on Wednesday.
England, who are already without captain John Terry and Wayne Rooney because of injuries and Rio Ferdinand who is suspended, will almost certainly have to beat Croatia next Wednesday to stand any chance of qualifying.
"Hargreaves is currently in the process of recovering from a long-term injury and having discussed it with Manchester United, it was felt best that he would remain with his club for treatment," an FA spokesman said.
Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips also missed training on Wednesday with an ankle injury, although he is expected to be fit for the trip to Austria.
Should Russia win in Israel on Saturday and beat minnows Andorra on Wednesday they will qualify ahead of England. Croatia need just a point in Macedonia on Saturday to book their place. (Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Justin Palmer)
