Bevington - injuries are legitimate

9:45am Tuesday 18th November 2008

Football Association director of communications Adrian Bevington has played down reports of a rift between England manager Fabio Capello and top Premier League clubs.

England are missing several first-choice players ahead of Wednesday's friendly international against Germany, the most recent withdrawals those of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, who has a groin injury, and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard (rib).

On Monday, Capello asked Gerrard to make a lengthy round trip to have his injury assessed by England physiotherapist Gary Lewin, but Bevington insists the injuries suffered by both players are legitimate, adding that there was "no dispute" over the withdrawals.

Bevington told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Gerrard reported for duty last night [Sunday], was assessed by the medics, scanned this morning.

"It's a legitimate injury and he goes back to his club for treatment.

"Obviously he [Capello] is disappointed that he's losing players. I've spoken personally with both players, they're gutted about it.

"I've spoken with Gary Lewin, our physio, and he has absolutely no issue - he's looked at them both and they go back having been scanned."