Manchester United defender Chris Smalling a doubt for Euro 2012 with groin problem

Manchester United's Chris Smalling has emerged as an early injury doubt for Roy Hodgson's England Euro 2012 squad, with a groin problem which was troubling him by the end of his side's victory over Swansea on Sunday proving more serious than initially had been thought.

The 22-year-old has experienced limited football in the past month and his return against Manchester City last week was his first game in four weeks. But the groin injury which Sir Alex Ferguson said was a minor problem does look as if it will prevent him playing a part in his club's visit to Sunderland next Sunday. His involvement this summer looks to be in jeopardy.

Rio Ferdinand trained yesterday and he looks as if he will be fit for the Sunderland game, during which United must hope City falter at home to Queen's Park Rangers. Ferguson has said he had "a bit of a spasm in his groin" and would be fit for the Stadium of Light. In what is looking like one last injury headache in a season which has been full of them, Jonny Evans is also likely to the miss Sunderland game, with an injury sustained when Darron Gibson trod on his foot against Everton also worse than had been first thought. Evans was forced to pull out yesterday from a testimonial game for the former United player Harry Gregg, scheduled for Belfast next week.

Smalling has looked comfortable for England and his versatility, revealed in some sparkling performances at right back for United earlier this season, has made him a strong contender for Hodgson's squad. He made his debut at right back in the 3-0 Euro 2012 qualifer in Bulgaria last September and was in central defence for the 3-2 home defeat to the Netherlands, under Stuart Pearce in February.