Andrew Pozzi insists he had no choice but to withdraw from this weekend’s European Indoor Championships in Gothenburg after being struck by injury.
The sprint hurdler was all set to strut his stuff in Sweden as he looked to improve on last season’s fourth-place 60m hurdles finish at the World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.
But after injuring his hamstring during the British Athletics European Trials & UK Championships earlier this month Pozzi has been forced to withdraw from the GB & NI team.
And despite admitting to his frustration, 20-year-old Pozzi admits it had to be done as he bids to be back to fitness for this summer’s World Championships in Moscow.
"I had to pull out of Trials as a precaution and unfortunately my hamstring still isn't right for me to be able race on Friday,” he said.
“I'm bitterly disappointed to be missing the European Indoor Championships but now my focus is ensuring that I'm healthy and ready to go when this outdoor season starts.”
There is another change to the 28-strong squad travelling to Sweden with Conrad Williams also withdrawing from the 4x400m relay team, being replaced by Michael Warner.
And at 22 Warner is keen to soak up the experience in Gothenburg in what is his maiden senior call-up.
“This is my first senior selection and I’m really excited to be part of the team heading out to Gothenburg,” Warner said.
“There are some big names like Robbie Grabarz and Christine Ohuruogu in the team, so it will be a really good experience for me, and one I’m really looking forward to.”
© Sportsbeat 2013