Great Britain limp into World Championships with injury-plagued squad
Great Britain head into next weekend's World Championships in Russia with a depleted squad as injuries plague the camp.
Last Updated: 02/08/13 11:53pm
While some athletes have been patched up, others will not make the plane as Team GB enter their first global tournament since London 2012.
Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, last summer's golden girl, will not travel to Moscow after her bid to recover from an Achilles tendon injury in time failed.
Long jumper Greg Rutherford, another 'Super Saturday' winner, passed a late fitness test to secure his selection following a hamstring tear which has decimated his preparations.
World 400 metre hurdling champion Dai Greene has missed his two previous competitions through an inflamed Achilles, providing less than ideal groundwork for his title defence.
Hurdler Andy Turner and 800 metre runner Jenny Meadows have both called time on their seasons while triple jumper Phillips Idowu, a forgotten man, is taking a break from the sport.
Hope
Robbie Grabarz claimed a bronze medal in last year's Games and is one man who is fit for the trip across the continent, although the high jumper has endured a below par season thus far.
It is not all doom and gloom for the British contigent however with Mo Farah and team captain Christine Ohuruogu set to lead the way.
Double Olympic champion Farah claimed 5,000 and 10,000 gold 12 months ago and looks set to add more accolades to his portfolio.
Meanwhile, London 2012 medallist Ohuruogu heads into the World Championships in fine form having run 50.00 seconds, her fastest ever outside a major tournament, at the London Anniversary Games to establish herself as a leading contender for 400 metre gold.
Perri Shakes-Drayton is enjoying a strong 400 metre hurdles season, currently ranked fourth, while James Dasaolu will be looking to steal the headlines from Usain Bolt in the 100 metres once again.
Long jumper Shara Proctor will be aiming to turn her potential into performance on the main stage while teenagers Jessica Judd (800m), Adam Gemili and Delano Williams (both 200m) face a good test alongside leaders of the field.