Daniel Sturridge and Jermain Defoe could miss the Brazil game on Wednesday

Sunday’s two Premier League matches could prove costly for the England squad ahead of Wednesday’s Wembley friendly against Brazil as Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge both sustained injuries.

Sturridge and fellow England international Steven Gerrard were both on target in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Manchester City. But Sturridge could now miss the Brazil clash.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers explained: “Daniel has a dead thigh and we will liaise with England. I think he will struggle to make the friendly against Brazil.”
 
But that did not detract from an impressive Sturridge display and Rodgers added: “Daniel has been immense and has given us a tonic, a reference at the front for the team. He is now part of the jigsaw of our growth - we are growing all the time and that is what this season is about."

Defoe’s problem appears more serious as he picked up an ankle injury in his side’s 1-0 win at West Brom.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas said: "We'll have to scan it to see if there is more damage, but hopefully it will only be two to three weeks.

"He has some ligament damage to his ankle. We will have to see the full extent of the injury. But we will miss him badly.

"It is difficult without Defoe but we have to adapt as and hope for his comeback as soon as possible."